With the recruitment of Muzi Maluleke to their technical staff in the middle of the previous season, the Chiefs made a clear statement about their intention to ensure that player conditioning and fitness reached a new level.
Maluleke, who possesses a Master of Science from the University of Pretoria, has previously played for South Africa’s U17 and U20 National Teams. He is also a bodybuilder and one of the greatest strength and conditioning trainers in South Africa. In June 2022, he was appointed the official fitness coach.
In the most recent issue of Soccer Laduma, as posted by @RealTshemedi on Twitter, Chiefs “remain hell-bent on enforcing discipline and fitness” on their players.
After a couple of seasons in which a lack of form, fitness, and discipline has been a concern in certain player circles, sources claim that the decision to implement harsher measures is intended to ensure that the club does everything in its ability to return to its previous glory.
In addition to signing Maluleke, the Chiefs are rumored to have implemented rigorous fitness programs for its players over the two-month FIFA World Cup break, as well as a number of anti-smoking rules.
As part of a clear signal of intent issued by the Chiefs to its players, coach Arthur Zwane emphasized the importance of discipline during the holiday season.
Zwane told Soccer Laduma at the beginning of the year, “Discipline comes first for me, and I always remind them that I don’t like players who drink and smoke for a variety of reasons.”
The Chiefs appear to be implementing a zero-tolerance policy in several important areas as they attempt to turn around the club’s fortunes off the field.
Despite this talk of Amakhosi revising their squad policies, the club will be forced to play a series of matches without the services of a number of key players, some of whom are out for several weeks.
Zwane remarked recently, “Reeve (Frosler) has undergone surgery and will be out for at least six weeks.” “Khama (Billiat) as well as Nkosingiphile Ngcobo have both undergone surgery. Cole (Alexander) is not yet prepared to return. He began running this week.”
Additionally, Dillan Solomons dislocated his left shoulder and is not anticipated to return for four to six weeks.
»Why the Chiefs are tightening down on fitness and discipline«