Castro says pre-season crucial for Chiefs success

Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs striker Leonardo Castro says building a good foundation of fitness during pre-season training will be a key part to the club's chances of success in 2018/19 season.

Amakhosi reported back for training on Monday, June 25 with all players reporting for duty with just over a month before their first game.

The team's first competitive action in this period will be against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Shell Cup on Saturday, July 21.

As such, Castro, who recently reported back from his holidays in native Columbia, takes the view that pre-season is important for setting the tone for the upcoming season.

Speaking to Chiefs' official website, the 29-year-old said: "I enjoyed my holiday. Now it's time for pre-season.

"Having a good pre-season is half the work done."

The void left by previous head coach Steve Komphela is yet to be filled with reports in the media reports suggesting that the Amakhosi will make an announcement by the end of the week.

Hopes are high that Amakhosi can challenge for silverware in the new campaign following a three-year drought under Komphela in which the trophy cabinet lay barren and empty.

The recent arrival of star forward Khama Billiat from Sundowns has also boosted the mood of optimism within the Glamour Boys camp.