Having gone close to being crowned champions of the A-League 2011/12, Perth Glory have returned to South Africa for their pre-season camp.
Ian Ferguson’s charges depart for their 14-day trip on Saturday, basing themselves at the Ingwenyama Conference and Sports Resort in Nelspruit – home to Chile during the 2010 World Cup – and will take on three South African Premier Soccer League clubs in friendlies.
Last season’s A-League runners-up meet AmaZulu on July 24, Platinum Stars on July 27 and Bidvest Wits on July 31.
With a host of new signings in the Glory squad, including former Gold Coast United captain Michael Thwaite and former Sydney FC full-back Scott Jamieson, Ferguson hailed the importance of the trip.
“We are all looking forward to the camp,” he told reporters. “Again, we’ve got some new recruits this year and the time together will help bond the squad together.
“The camp was massive for us last year and gave us a solid base to structure our pre-season on.”
The Glory will also be involved in several community programs while on location, with club chief executive Paul Kelly outlining a ‘strong commitment to engage with the local townships’.
