Chiefs Conclude Netherlands Pre-Season With Loss To FC Twente

Kaizer Chiefs wrapped up their pre-season camp in the Netherlands with a 2-1 loss to FC Twente on Wednesday night, marking their fourth defeat in five matches.

This was Chiefs’ final game of their Netherlands tour. Prior to this match, they had suffered losses to Vitesse (2-1), a significant 4-0 defeat to Utrecht, and a 1-0 loss to NEC Nijmegen. Their sole victory of the tour came on Tuesday, a 1-0 win against PEC Zwolle, courtesy of a goal by Naledi Hlongwane.

Youngster Hlongwane earned a start from coach Nasreddine Nabi following his winning goal. Mfundo Vilakazi also started on the left flank. Although Chiefs took some time to settle, once they did, Twente struggled to impose their game.

The home side nearly took an early lead when veteran striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel was denied from close range by Brandon Petersen. Van Wolfswinkel, once on the books of Norwich City in the English Premier League, saw his career never quite live up to early expectations.

Vilakazi, looking lively and showcasing some skillful trickery, put his marker on the back foot, but his curling shot lacked the necessary bend.

Chiefs faced an uphill battle, with Twente having a 70 percent probability of winning. The Dutch side capitalized on their favored status, taking the lead two minutes before halftime. Taylor Booth outmaneuvered Dillan Solomons after a free-kick, and Daan Rots headed home from close range.

Out of nowhere, Chiefs were awarded a penalty when Pule Mmodi was fouled inside the box. Skipper Inacio Miguel stepped up, and while his initial spot-kick was saved by the Twente goalkeeper, he finished on the second attempt after the ball kindly rebounded to him in the 69th minute.

Chiefs had an opportunity to double their lead when Wandile Duba teased his marker. As he waited, Glody Lilepo received the ball on the side but dragged his shot wide.

Missing that crucial chance proved costly. Chiefs were duly punished five minutes before fulltime by the club where their former captain, Bernard Parker, famously excelled, winning the league in the 2009/10 season under Steve McClaren.

A dangerous cross into the box was not cleared by Chiefs, and Swiss international Sayfallah Ltaief clinically side-footed the ball past Bruce Bvuma to seal the win for Twente.