Kaizer Chiefs will face Eredivisie outfit Utrecht FC during their upcoming pre-season tour of the Netherlands, as preparations for the 2025/26 campaign intensify. The Soweto giants recently announced their European pre-season tour, with the Dutch leg running from 3 to 19 July.

The highly anticipated friendly between Chiefs and Utrecht will take place on 11 July, although fans won’t be allowed inside the stadium as the match will be played behind closed doors.

Utrecht confirmed the fixture through an official club statement via social media channels.

“The next opponent will follow on 11 July. The most popular club in South Africa will be the opponent: Kaizer Chiefs. This match will also be played behind closed doors,” the Dutch club stated on their website.

Chiefs to face Euro heavyweights

While last season’s European pre-season tour saw Chiefs take on various lower-tier sides, this time the club will test themselves against top-flight European opposition. Utrecht, who also scheduled a clash against Siyabonga Ngezana’s Steaua Bucharest, bring a tougher challenge that could sharpen Chiefs’ competitive edge ahead of the domestic season.

Nabi era enters new phase

Head coach Nasreddine Nabi will officially kick off the new campaign with pre-season training resuming on Friday, 20 June. Chiefs will look to build momentum after securing the Nedbank Cup title. Using this Dutch tour to fine-tune their tactics, fitness and squad dynamics.

The Utrecht fixture not only reflects Kaizer Chiefs’ ambition to elevate their game but also offers Nabi a crucial opportunity to evaluate his squad against a club of proven European pedigree.

Will Kaizer Chiefs beat Utrecht in their pre-season friendly?

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