Teenage goalkeeper, Naphtali Mokoena has been making the most of his inclusion in the Kaizer Chiefs touring party for the pre-season camp in Spain. The 19-year-old earned the call on the back of a couple of outstanding seasons ‘between the sticks’ for the Club’s reserve team in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) and has taken his first steps towards breaking into the senior setup at Naturena.

Currently on his second overseas trip, having travelled with Chiefs Reserves to the United Kingdom late last year as a reward for their record-breaking 2024/25 DDC championship-winning exploits, the man known as “Onana’ is delighted to be rubbing shoulders with the first-team squad.

“It has been a great experience to come across a different culture, different people, different weather. It is very hot here now but I feel this will benefit us during the season,” he tells www.kaizerchiefs.com.

Despite not getting to play in any of the three friendly matches on the tour, Mokoena has used his watching brief to observe and learn from the experience.

“I have been impressed by the physicality of the teams we’ve played. I think we match them skill-wise and in pace so we will look at working on building our strength going forward,” he notes.

The youngster expresses deep appreciation for the faith shown in him by the newly-appointed technical staff under head coach, Fernando Da Cruz, particularly goalkeeper coach, Olivier Sorin.

“The coaching staff have been lovely. This is my first time working with them and I want to thanks them for granting me this opportunity and for showing belief in me and my ability. I am beyond grateful,” he concludes.

Amakhosi completed their Spanish sojourn on Mandela Day against La Liga side, Elche CF and returned to Mzansi to prepare for the season curtain-raiser Toyota Cup clash against Scottland FC from Zimbabwe in Rustenburg on Sunday.