Latest news with #GeorgeMatlou
IOL News
13-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
You don't get better playing weaker teams, says Matlou on Kaizer Chiefs' tough pre-season
Kaizer Chiefs midfielder George Matlou in action in the Netherlands. Image: Kaizer Chiefs Kaizer Chiefs remain winless on their pre-season tour of The Netherlands after suffering a third consecutive defeat, this time a narrow 1-0 loss to NEC Nijmegen on Saturday afternoon. The Glamour Boys had previously gone down to Dutch top-flight sides Vitesse and FC Utrecht. While the lack of goals and results may raise questions back home, there is no panic within the camp. Instead, the focus remains squarely on long-term gains and sharpening the team ahead of a crucial 2025/26 campaign. 'I hate losing,' George Matlou told the club's media department, after the match. 'However, these are highly competitive games, and that's how you get better as a team. You don't get better playing weaker teams.' This Kaizer Chiefs team is a much better side than last season — Conquer (@Conquer_Modiba) July 11, 2025 Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ Matlou's words echoed the broader sentiment from the Chiefs squad and technical staff — that this European tour is less about results and more about building a competitive, battle-tested unit capable of challenging both locally and on the continent. The clash against NEC saw Chiefs put in a more organised and disciplined shift. Although they still came out second best, their shape and transitions showed clear improvement from the earlier friendlies. Against FC Utrecht — a side preparing for Uefa Europa League qualifiers next week — and Vitesse, Chiefs struggled for rhythm, but Saturday's performance was a step in the right direction. 'We're getting to know each other,' Matlou continued. 'We are improving on when to press, where to press, how to press. These are all key elements we're working on during this phase. We are Kaizer Chiefs — we don't like losing, but this process is vital.' Defensively, there were positives to take. Centre-back Aden McCarthy again looked composed alongside Miguel, with the duo forming a promising partnership. 'It was a really tough encounter,' said McCarthy. 'NEC are a strong team in the Dutch league. The way they pressed and moved the ball tested us, but it was great to experience that level.' He added: 'We understand each other very well at the back. Sometimes we don't even need to talk — we know what to do, and that chemistry is growing.' Thank you to the amazing supporters who joined us at yesterday's match. Your energy was amazing! The songs were amazing! Special thanks to 'Soccer Mad' Dennis for reaching out to us and for the support! ❤️✌️#Amakhosi4Life #KCNetherlands #KCPreSeason — Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) July 13, 2025 Chiefs' structure didn't go unnoticed in the stands. Former Mamelodi Sundowns captain Alje Schut, now head of scouting at FC Utrecht, was among those observing the match. 'The two central defenders really performed well,' Schut noted. 'Chiefs played organised football. But at this level, small details matter — and that's how the goal came. These are moments they'll learn from.' Chiefs will wrap up their Dutch tour this coming Saturday, and while pre-season isn't judged by wins alone, Matlou made it clear that the team is hungry to finish on a high. 'We definitely want to win that one,' he said. 'It's been tough, but we're learning, improving and growing every day.'
The South African
06-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs change their mind on their midfield maestro
Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly decided against releasing a player who was destined to be let go of! The Amakhosi have already parted ways with Sabelo Radebe, Ranga Chivaviro, Njabulo Blom, Edmilson Dove and Mduduzi Mdantsane. Another player who was tipped to leave the club was struggling midfielder George Matlou. However, the club have seemingly taken a U-turn on their decision to let go of him! READ MORE • Orlando Pirates cut ties with fan-favourite worth R14.5 million! READ MORE • Nabi's key Kaizer Chiefs star stays at home, left out of Dutch trip! According to the latest transfer gossip, Kaizer Chiefs have offered George Matlou a short-term extension. Matlou made 15 appearances under Nasreddine Nabi, registering two assists. While his talent is undeniable, the midfielder is yet to come into his own at Kaizer Chiefs. Since joining the club in 2022, he has made just 40 appearances for the Glamour Boys. 'Kaizer Chiefs have made a u-turn on midfielder George Matlou, who was set to leave the club at the end of June. But there has been a new development, as the club's management have now decided to continue with Matlou and offered him a short-term deal,' an IDiski Times report read. READ MORE • Kaizer Chiefs spot huge chance to sign Sundowns man! Do you think we'll see the best of George Matlou next season? Which position do you see him fitting in best at next season? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by also emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The South African
01-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs: Three more midfielders heading out of Naturena
Kaizer Chiefs are cleaning house to make space for new signings in the midfield. Kaizer Chiefs midfield will look very different next season. This is because THREE more Amakhosi midfielders are facing likely departures. So, they are set to follow Mduduzi Mdantsane and Sabelo Radebe out of Naturena. George Matlou, Edson Catsillo and Tebogo Potsane are all heading out of Naturena. Matlou has been linked with a Chiefs departure for several seasons. 'Sam, who has not made a single competitive appearance for the team, is expected to leave, as is midfielder George Matlou,' the insider stated on KickOff. Meaning, this is the most likely time for his Amakhosi exit. Meanwhile, Bongani Sam is one of TWO more Chiefs defenders set to leave. Castillo and Potsane are in the same boat as Matlou. Also, both men are struggling for game time and they sit behind a stacked midfield. They sit behind the likes of Yusuf Maart, Gaston Sirino, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Thabo Cele, Mfundo Vilakazi and Samkelo Zwane. Therefore, a move out of Naturena is in the best interest of both parties. For these players, they need to play more regularly and this is not going to happen if they stay at Chiefs. It is clear that these players do not form a part of Nasreddine Nabi's future plans. Chiefs have a whole team worth of new players – these 11 new players have reportedly joined to the first team. This includes TWO European-based signings, FIVE promotions and FOUR players from PSL rivals. Meanwhile, they are expected to sign these players from Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana. In contrast, as mentioned, FIVE Amakhosi player departures have been confirmed. Whilst, a total of FOUR more Chiefs players are heading out of Naturena.
The South African
23-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Meet Kaizer Chiefs' new midfield maestro, Thulani Mabaso
Born in 2004, Thulani Mabaso has been with Kaizer Chiefs since he was 14. He's one of four young names promoted for the Netherlands tour. Left-footed holding midfielder Thulani Mabaso will get a taste of the first team on tour to Holland. Manqoba Ozoemena, Kabelo Nkgwesa and Naledi Hlongwane are the other names to watch. All you need to know about the four new Chiefs youngsters This is what the club said about Thulani Mabaso in January 2023: A defensive midfielder, he has been here since the age of 14. Heading into his fourth year as part of our development, he has been taught in the Chiefs way and is fully immersed in the culture of the Club. Another left-footed player with the ability to pick out teammates with long and short passes, he is very solid at the back and can get the team moving up front rapidly. He was born in 2004.' As you'll know by now, Chiefs are heading to the land of Dennis Bergkamp, Virgil van Dijk and Wesley Sneijder for their European pre-season tour adventure. The Glamour Boys jet out on 03 July and conclude the tour on 19 July. It should be a fun fortnight! George Matlou, somewhat surprisingly, will be on the flight. George Matlou will travel to the Netherlands to tour with the Chiefs squad. Image: The Citizen At the start of 2024-2025, Mdu Shabalala was a critical component in the Chiefs side, operating from the number 10 role. His output was healthy, too. However, that has dwindled dramatically. In 27 league appearances last season, he only got four goals and an assist. His decision-making can also be questioned. Click for the story How much do you know about Mabaso? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
20-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Who will Kaizer Chiefs face in the Netherlands?
Kaizer Chiefs will travel to the Netherlands for their pre-season training, and they have now secured a high-profile friendly game. As previously reported on the The South African website, Amakhosi will be in that part of Europe between 3-19 July. Furthermore, this publication reported that George Matlou is among those who will be on the plane with Chiefs in July. Matlou's contract is coming to an end on 30 June but he appears to still be on the Chiefs technical team's plans for the upcoming season. George Matlou is on the club's list of players to travel to the Netherlands for pre-season. Image: iDiski Times / X Now, Dutch side Utrecht FC confirmed on their website that Kaizer Chiefs will be one of their pre-season opponents. Utrecht are one of the top teams in the Eredivisie. They finished fourth on the log last season. According to a statement on the Utrecht website, the match against Chiefs will be played on 11 July behind closed doors. Nonetheless, Chiefs would not have been Utrecht's first opponents as they will face Siyabonga Ngezana's FCSB and Belgian side Cercle Brügge on 1 July. '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,' read the statement. Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
