Kaizer Chiefs Reserve team assistant coach Dillon Sheppard has shared their experience of a memorable tour of England where they were unbeaten.
Sheppard took over the reins of Amakhosi’s U23 squad in the absence of head coach Vela Khumalo and steered the charges to an unbeaten return in three outings against three top English sides.
In the first clash, Chiefs outclassed Manchester United 3-1 at Carrington Training Complex before holding Leeds United to a gutsy 1-1 draw. In the final encounter against Queens Park Rangers, the tie ended in a goalless stalemate.
Sheppard has since opened up on their European experience and how quickly the players adapted to the wet conditions.
“We have arrived safely back in the country after being away for 12 days. One could feel that after 12 days away that the boys were missing home and it’s good to be back,” Sheppard told the club’s official website.
“We had a wonderful trip, a great, unforgettable experience getting to play top teams and going to watch [English] Premier League games. We were very well looked after by our hosts. It was amazing to see the excitement on the boys’ faces watching some of their heroes play live.
“In our game against them, we knew we would have to step up our physicality and technical application but after taking a bit of time to settle, we were able to use or speed and skill to get in behind them and came out with a very pleasing 3-1 win.
“On the last couple of days, the boys were able to do some shopping and sight-seeing around London to close out a memorable experience. We are all deeply grateful to Multichoice who made it all possible and were with us every step of the way.
“It has energised us to want to go out and do well in the DDC again and put ourselves in a position to experience this again. Thank also to Kaizer Chiefs. We really appreciate the support and everything we get from the Club, and we thank you very much.”
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