While most PSL teams are grinding through local preseason routines, Kaizer Chiefs decided to switch things up with some European flair.
The club brought in a highly respected strength and conditioning expert from the Netherlands to fine-tune their players’ performance—just in time for the new season.
Enter Zghal: The Tunisian Academic Turned Football Fitness Brain
With the squad split during their overseas camp, regular fitness coach Majdi Safi stayed back at Naturena.
That’s where Dr. Zghal stepped in, thanks to head coach Nasreddine Nabi’s deep professional network.
Zghal isn’t just any fill-in—he’s an associate professor at the University of Paris‑Saclay, with a CV stacked with over 30 published research papers.
His work covers everything from neuromuscular performance to football-specific training, and his knowledge brings a scientific edge to the Chiefs’ preseason grind.
A Familiar Face for Coach Nabi
This isn’t the first time Zghal and Nabi have worked together.
Their partnership dates back to Al Ahly SC in Libya around 2013, showing just how much trust the coach has in his expertise.
So while this might be a short-term role during the Apeldoorn training camp, it’s grounded in a long-standing professional connection.
Chiefs Set Their Sights on the Toyota Cup
Before the DStv Premiership kicks off in August, Chiefs will head back to South Africa to take on Ghana’s Asante Kotoko in the Toyota Cup.
The friendly is set for Saturday, July 26, at Moses Mabhida Stadium—a chance for fans to see what this refreshed squad can do under Nabi’s leadership.
Will This New-Look Chiefs Deliver This Season?
The big question now is: What should we expect from the Amakhosi this season? New coaching strategies, overseas training, and fresh faces could all be the right ingredients for a stronger campaign.