"We conceded twice in critical phases of the game," Thabiso Monyane comments about Kaizer Chiefs' 2-1 loss against Dutch Eredivisie (Premiership) side FC Twente on Wednesday evening.

Amakhosi conceded the first goal on the brink of half-time. Captain Inácio Miguel netted the equaliser from the penalty spot in the second half, but the Dutch opponents scored the winner just before the referee's final whistle.

"That was tough," Amakhosi's new signing admits. "We worked so hard to get back into the game and then we concede a goal so late.

"However, we learn from this. I always say, 'you never lose, you always learn'."

Again, many South Africans came out to watch the Glamour Boys play their last pre-season friendly at the accommodation of Dutch amateur side Rood Zwart in Delden.

The following XI started: Petersen, Solomons, Kwinika, Miguel, Frosler, Vilakazi, Cele, Mabaso, Chislett, Sirino, Hlongwane

FC Twente put on early pressure on the Chiefs defence, but they were up to task.

Amakhosi slowly fought themselves back into the game, with Thabo Cele excelling in midfield and Mfundo Vilakazi creating danger from the flank, often swerving inside with the ball at his feet. He also had a few excellent shots at goal.

Ethan Chislett was another who delivered a fine performance, and the new recruit seems to improve with each game he plays wearing the Gold & Black jersey.

Coach Nasreddine Nabi made some substitutions at half-time, with just four players continuing: Zitha Kwinika, Cele, Miguel and Vilakazi.

More changes arrived after about 60 minutes of play with the XI from there on as follows: Bvuma, Monyane, Kwinika, McCarthy, Shinga, Lilepo, Mthethwa, Zwane, Matlou, Mmodi, Morris

Kwinika performed well in defence, while George Matlou delivered a telling performance in midfield.

The Glamour Boys showed good spirit, playing as a unit, but in the end, it wasn't enough against a really strong Dutch side that finished last season in sixth position on the log table.

Monyane was another who did well in the second half. The new signing, joining from Orlando Pirates, showed some promising early form in pre-season.

"I have been received well by the technical team, the players and the staff, arriving from the other side of Soweto," the right-back says about his reception as a Glamour Boy.

"It has been a breath of fresh air and I am embracing a new culture."

Amakhosi have played five friendly matches during their pre-season camp in the Netherlands.

"I feel that there has been massive progression since we played our first game against Vitesse last week Tuesday," the 25-year-old reflects. "Our time in the Netherlands, facing really good opponents, has been a top-top experience."

Monyane feels that thanks to the camp in the Netherlands the team is well-prepared for the Toyota Cup next weekend, with Amakhosi hosting Ghana's Asante Kotoko at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 26 July.

"I feel optimistic," the right-back concludes. "We are Kaizer Chiefs, a Club with a rich history.

"We have seen in Holland how big the Club is, with so many fans coming out to support us. We don't want to disappoint them.

"If Kaizer Chiefs do well, the country does well. We want to put a smile on our supporters’ faces."

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