Posted in News, Team News on Jul 09, 2025.
It was more than just a pre-season training match. It was a moment of connection for South Africans living far from home. When Kaizer Chiefs took on Dutch side Vitesse at Sportpark Driel, the small stadium buzzed with the unmistakable energy of local and traveling Amakhosi supporters.
Amongst them, Zama Sibisi who arrived at Sportpark Driel to watch her favourite Club face the Dutch first division side. It took her almost four hours to travel from Amsterdam to Driel: bike, tram, train, bus.
"I am so excited to be here," Sibisi enthuses. She is proudly wearing her new Kaizer Chiefs jersey and also brought along a huge South African flag.
Sibisi was an ESL (English as Second Language) teacher in South Africa for a couple of years. But she moved two weeks ago to Dutch capital Amsterdam as part of a cultural exchange programme.
Sibisi proudly shows some pictures on her cell phone on how she and her friends celebrated Amakhosi's Nedbank Cup win recently.
"That was truly amazing" she reflects. "However, to see the team play live in Holland, is beyond belief. I can't wait for the game to start."
Her favourite players are Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi.
About 40 South Africans came to watch the Glamour Boys play their first pre-season training game in the Netherlands, and they certainly made their presence felt.
In addition to this lively group of South Africans, there is also a tall Dutchman wearing a Chiefs training jacket. His name: Bjorn Grotenbreg.
He became an instant Amakhosi fan when he spent time in South Africa as part of a school exchange programme between the Netherlands and South Africa.
He is also a firm supporter of local club Vitesse.
"It is wonderful that, for the first time ever, I can watch my two favourite soccer teams face each other," Grotenbreg explains. "There is no way I was going to miss this opportunity."
And who should win? "It doesn't matter," he reacts, "I win either way."
Vitesse won the pre-season training match 2-1, despite a spirited performance from Amakhosi, especially in the first half.
Sibisi isn't too concerned about the loss. "I thought we played well," she reflects after the game. "For me, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Mdu Shabalala and Ashley Du Preez really performed well, although all of them made me very proud.
"And after the match, the players all acknowledged me on the pitch. They were so friendly.
"I had the best day of my life."
