Kaizer Chiefs played superbly on Tuesday evening, beating Dutch opponent PEC Zwolle 1-0 thanks to a goal from young striker Naledi Hlongwane.

Many South Africans living in the Netherlands came out again in their numbers to support the Glamour Boys, including the five Vodacom Tsamaya Pre-Season Fan Tour 2025 winners, who arrived on the day of the game.

Amakhosi's starting XI: Petersen, Monyane, Miguel (c), McCarthy, Shinga, Shabalala, Mthethwa, Ngcobo, Lilepo, Mmodi, Da Silva

The opening 15 minutes of the game were tough for Chiefs, with PEC Zwolle pressing high at the main field at the Sportpark Ezinge in Meppel. But Inácio Miguel and Aden Miguel were, like in the previous matches, solid in defence. They were well assisted by both wing-backs, Thabiso Monyane on the right and Nkanyiso Shinga on the left.

Mduduzi Shabalala looked dangerous whenever in possession of the ball in the opponent's half and Glody Lilepo was another looking threatening going forward.

Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, meanwhile, stabilised the midfield, backed up by Sibongiseni Mthethwa.

The more the first half progressed, the stronger Amakhosi became.

Flavio da Silva got the best opportunity but missed the target. Not long thereafter the striker was taken off due to an injury and was replaced by Naledi Hlongwane.

The half-time score was goalless.

Thulani Mabaso replaced Ngcobo at the start of the second half to deliver a telling performance.

Chiefs became stronger and stronger, creating some good opportunities to score.

The much-wanted goal arrived in the 56^th minute. Shabalala's shot at goal bounced back into the field from the PEC Zwolle goalkeeper. Hlongwane was alert and onto the ball like a flash, neatly kicking the ball into the back of the net.

There was a huge cheer, with the Amakhosi supporters at the ground making their presence felt.

Not long thereafter a variety of changes took place in several phases. From the 75^th minute the XI was the following: Bvuma, Frossler, Kwinika, McCarthy, Nkgwesa, Vilakazi, Mabaso, Matlou, Sirino, Chislett, Duba

Amakhosi created a few more good chances to extend the lead, while Bruce Bvuma made a brilliant reflex safe in the 83^rd minute.

The referee's final whistle led to an eruption of joy all around the pitch, and even the disappointed PEC Zwolle supporters gave the Glamour Boys a round of applause for their performance.

There were massive celebrations on the field, with both South Africans and Dutch youngsters storming onto the pitch.

Of the substituted players, Lilepo was one of the most popular Glamour Boys amongst the young Dutch soccer fans, signing numerous autographs.

Goalscorer Hlongwane was also quickly surrounded by the eager signature hunting Dutch kids.

The striker explains how Shabalala and himself have played together since the Under-15s at the Kaizer Chiefs Youth Development Academy. "We have a great understanding, as we basically grew up together.

"So, I know exactly what run to make, depending on the situation, and 'Shabba' knows what I will do.

"This time he decided to shoot at goal. As a striker, you know that you might only get one chance to score during a match, that's when you have to be ready. So, I ran towards the goalkeeper, hoping that the ball would bounce back into the field from him.

"And that's how it happened. Scoring the goal was a fantastic feeling!"

From a distance, Miguel follows how the Dutch youngsters can't get enough of Hlongwane, who patiently signs autographs and poses for photos.

A bit earlier, the game's Chiefs captain had told the young attacker: "This is just the start."

The Angolan international is happy with the win, although he also points out: "The victory was great. However, in pre-season the process comes first, it's not so much about winning. In that process you build the Kaizer Chiefs idea.

"We have seen how our performances improved with each match we played. Meanwhile, we are looking for the foundation, which is needed to do well and be ready when the season starts - for the league, the cup competitions and the CAF Confederation Cup.

"Pre-season is all about incorporating the ideas of the coach, the new players and then, of course, there are the tactical aspects. Last season, we struggled to get that combination right, even though the process was right.

"Today, all these elements came to fruition, hence the great performance and the emphatic win!"

About Hlongwane, Miguel adds: "Naledi has the quality to get far in the game of football. But this is just a start. Scoring has to be a habit of a striker.

"We have a lot of very talented youngsters: Hlongwane, Mabaso, Nkgwesa, McCarthy... However, talent alone is not enough. They need to continue working hard to continuously improve their game.

"Making a mistake is not a problem. But you have to learn from it, to not make that mistake again. Otherwise, it will become a problem. Soccer is all about learning, day in, day out."

Then, he pauses, glances at the partying around him, and says with a wink: "And now I am going to celebrate!"

Details for the Kaizer Chiefs' last pre-season friendly in the Netherlands:

FC Twente - Kaizer Chiefs

Wednesday, 16 July, kick-off at 19:00

Sportpark De Scheetheuvel in Delden (Rood Zwart)

The entrance fee for this last match will cost 12.50 Euro, while youngsters until the age of 12 will pay 5 Euro.

Tickets can also be bought digitally: kaartverkoop.fctwente.nl/dashboard - 'BESTELLEN' (on the Dutch language side) or 'ORDER' (English language).

The Sportpark will be open an hour before the start of the game.

The final match will be livestreamed on YouTube, @KaizerChiefsFootballClub

The livestreams will start about 15 minutes before kick-off.