The 2025/26 season will be massive for coach Nasreddine Nabi and Kaizer Chiefs at large.
It will be just the second year for the Tunisian tactician who jumped ship from Botola Pro League outfit AS FAR Rabat. In his debut season, Chiefs finished ninth in the Premier Soccer League, and reached the quarter final of the Carling Knockout tournament.
However, they delivered in the Nedbank Cup, where they went all the way to the final and beat favourites and the then defending champions, Orlando Pirates, for the crown.
Ahead of the forthcoming campaign, the Glamour Boys have signed six players; Flavio Silva (Persebaya Surabaya, Indonesia), Ethan Chislett (Port Vale, England), Nkanyiso Shinga (FC Alverce, Portugal), Paseka Mako (Orlando Pirates), Thabiso Monyane (Orlando Pirates), and Siphesihle Ndlovu (SuperSport United).
Mako is the only one who has not tasted action owing to a hand injury sustained in pre-season. We predict how the new season might turn out for the Soweto giants.
Star Player
Well, this has always been on midfielders and attackers since, on most occasions, they are directly involved in creative plays and goal creation. Amakhosi fans have been talking about Ndlovu, Shinga and Monyane owing to what they have seen in pre-season.
However, in the six pre-season games, goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has underlined his worth. He has made crucial saves, helped in build-up, and commanded his backline. Without a doubt, he can help Chiefs have an exceptional season.
Weakness they have to address
Just like last season, it seems Amakhosi haven't gotten it right in the attacking department. Well, Ranga Chivaviro and Christian Saile flopped last season, and Ashley du Preez failed to grab his chances when given an opportunity to shine.
Saile and Chivaviro are out, but Flavio Silva has been signed to lead the team in attack. Despite the good wingers and creative players at their disposal, it just seems, from early signs, that Silva might not be the man they will rely on for goals. It explains the speculations about Amakhosi looking for another striker before the season starts.
Will it be a good season?
Well, despite losing four and winning just one of the five pre-season games in the Netherlands, the Glamour Boys displayed beautiful football. They have signed some good players who have played against the best, both domestically and abroad. Amakhosi then lost the Toyota Cup to Asante Kotoko via penalties despite dominating the game.
Well, Nabi has it all, currently, enough depth, which is a blend of experience and youth. If he gets it right, expect another trophy in the cabinet – maybe another Nedbank Cup or Carling Knockout, and a good run in the Caf Confederation Cup as well as the Premier Soccer League.
Where will Chiefs finish in the PSL
In the 2023/24 campaign, Amakhosi finished in their worst ever position on the Premier Soccer League table, 10th! A season later, Chiefs finished a position higher which was Nabi's first year in Mzansi football.
From what we have seen, as well as the signings made, Nabi's men will finish in the top four! Yes, you had me right, they will finish third or fourth on the PSL table.
