As Kaizer Chiefs continue their pre-season training tour in Türkiye, Club legends, Pollen Ndlanya and Siphiwe Tshabalala, are convinced that the experience will be a game-changer for the team. The duo has hailed the Club's decision to hold their pre-season camp in Türkiye as a masterstroke, citing the country's rich football history, competitive atmosphere, and passionate fans as beneficial factors.

" Türkiye is a great choice for Chiefs' pre-season camp," Ndlanya says.

"The competitive atmosphere and professional setup will be a great test for the players. Türkiye is a football-loving country with a rich history of producing talented players," the former striker, who played for Goztepe and Bursaspor in the late 1990s, adds.

Tshabalala, who joined BB Erzurumspor in 2018, agrees. " Türkiye has a lot to offer, from its beautiful cities to its passionate football fans. I hope the team will make the most of this opportunity and learn from their experiences."

With Chiefs looking to bounce back from a disappointing season, their Türkiye camp could be the perfect catalyst for change. As Ndlanya and Tshabalala attest, the experience will not only benefit the players but also strengthen the bond between South African and Turkish football.

Tshabalala sees the potential for some interesting future possibilities: “Who knows?” he posits, “Maybe one day we'll see a Turkish player donning the Kaizer Chiefs jersey."

Both Ndlanya and Tshabalala have fond memories of their time in Türkiye.

Ndlanya, who played at Chiefs with the late John ‘Shoes’ Moshoeu, and later joined him in Türkiye, remembers the legendary midfielder's impact on the country. "Shoes was a hero in Türkiye, a true legend. His skill and talent were revered by the Turkish fans, and he remains an icon in their football history."

Tshabalala, a footballing generation younger, never played with Moshoeu, but reveals he was hugely inspired by the great playmeker’s legacy: "When I arrived in Türkiye, I felt the presence of Shoes everywhere,” he says. “The fans still spoke about him with so much passion and respect. It was amazing to see how much he meant to them. When we played against Fenerbahçe in Istanbul, I was amazed by the respect and admiration the Turkish fans had for Shoes."

Other former Chiefs players who spent time in Türkiye during their careers include, Fani Madida, Steve Komphela and Donald Khuse.

Chiefs continue their pre-season in Türkiye and are expected to play more friendly matches as the tour approaches its final stages.