Kaizer Chiefs Secure First Pre-Season Victory in the Netherlands With 1-0 Win Over PEC Zwolle

Kaizer Chiefs notched their first win of their European pre-season tour after edging Dutch side PEC Zwolle 1-0 on Tuesday evening. The victory comes as a confidence boost for the Soweto giants following a 2-1 defeat to NEC Nijmegen over the weekend.

Brandon Petersen retained his place in goal, with Inacio Miguel and Pule Mmodi also keeping their spots in the starting eleven. The Amakhosi looked more composed in possession this time around, stringing together fluid passes and attacking runs, although they initially struggled to penetrate Zwolle’s backline.

Their first real threat came in the 31st minute when Flavio Da Silva broke through on the right-hand side after a clever through ball but blasted his shot over the bar. The Dutch side nearly made the visitors pay nine minutes later as Dylan Mbayo met a low cross from the flank but sent his attempt just wide of goal.

Chiefs found the breakthrough ten minutes into the second half. Young development graduate Nalledi Hlongwane capitalized on a rebound inside the box, managing to score from a tight angle to hand his side the lead.

Following the goal, head coach Molefi Ntseki rang in the changes, introducing fresh legs in the form of George Matlou, Samkelo Zwane, Ethan Chislett, Mfundo Vilakazi, and new signing Gaston Sirino. The substitutions added spark to the Chiefs’ midfield and attack, but Zwolle remained a threat on the counter, forcing the Amakhosi defence to stay sharp.

Vilakazi came close to doubling the lead twice in the closing minutes, first dragging a curling shot wide and later seeing another long-range effort denied by the Zwolle goalkeeper after a neat lay-off from Sirino.

In the end, Chiefs held firm to seal a deserved victory, their first of the pre-season tour. They now turn their focus to their final match in the Netherlands, a midweek clash against Eredivisie side FC Twente, where they’ll be hoping to wrap up their European leg on a high note.