Windhoek — South Africa's Premier Soccer League outfit Amazulu yesterday kicked off their two-day pre-season training camp with a highly entertaining clash against MTC Namibia Premier League 3rd place finishers of last season Tigers at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in the capital.

Speaking to New Era Sports yesterday, Tigers coach Bobby Samaria said Amazulu's visit is basically aimed at preparing and working on the fitness of their players ahead of their upcoming international exhibition match against English giants Manchester City on July 18, in a match that will be dedicated to former South African president Nelson Mandela.

Samaria said Tigers have a good relationship with Amazulu and these games obviously serve as a great platform for local players to showcase their talents and gain the much needed exposure. He added that Tigers former players such as Tangeni Shipahu and Dudes Mwendihanga, amongst others, who joined Amazulu and other South African Premier Soccer League teams are all testimony to the two teams' good cooperation, and also urged other local players to follow suit by utilising such opportunities.

The Shandumbala-based outfit mentor fielded a Namibia Premier League invitational team which mostly consisted of Tigers players. Other players that featured in the squad included African Stars inspirational captain Pat-Nevin Uanivi and Ninja Karongee, and Black Africa's Tara and Muna Katupose, amongst others.

Amazulu coach Craig Rosslee, who joined the team late last year on a two-and-a-half year contract, also wants the games to test his new signings while also ensuring his key players are well conditioned ahead of the new season. Amazulu will depart for South Africa on Friday morning.