Kaizer Chiefs coach explains significance of facing Manchester United

Kaizer Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge coach Vela Khumalo has explained the impact of playing against English teams, including Manchester United, next month.

Chiefs will embark on an 11-day tour of Europe from November 25 to December 7, which is their reward for winning last season’s DDC title, with a record 70 points.

The young Glamour Boys will face Manchester United U21s as well as Leeds United and Queens Park Rangers in the DDC International Tour of Europe and Khumalo cannot wait for the trip given what his side will benefit from.

Khumalo excited by European tour exposure

“More than anything, it’s exposure for the boys, they did well last year, 70 points,” Khumalo told iDiski Times. “And now playing against Manchester is going to be a huge one, we’re playing Leeds, we’re playing QPR.”

“But more than anything else, it’s exposure for them and it’s a reward for them. I’m happy for them, we’re looking forward to the tour.”

Khumalo says the success of last season, and the big reward it has come with, is now acting as a huge motivator for the rest of the squad, who are keen to retain their title.

Playing Man Utd and Co motivating young Chiefs

“Even this group of players, they want to win the league again but I know what it takes for us to win the league,” he added.

“Yes, we started very slow, even today [on Sunday], we lost points. Teams, all of them, they sit back and don’t wanna play.

“But it’s a good assignment as coaches on how do we help them to unlock teams that play defensively.”

To retain their title, however, Chiefs will need to improve as they have won just two of their six games and find themselves eight points behind leaders Orlando Pirates.