Kaizer Chiefs fans were optimistic the club would turn a new page following Nasreddine Nabi's appointment as the new coach at the beginning of the 2024/25 season.
The Glamour Boys had finished 10th in the previous edition of the Premier Soccer League, which led to many changes, especially in the technical team.
Despite winning the Nedbank Cup to end the club's decade-long trophy drought, Nabi's men finished ninth on the table with only 32 points after eight wins, as many draws, and 12 losses from the 28 games they played. Basically, it means Amakhosi will, for the second season in a row, miss the MTN8 competition.
The majority of the fans were disappointed with the failure to make the top eight, but here are the reasons why this might be a blessing in disguise.
Gives Nabi more time to rebuild
Usually, the MTN8 starts earlier in the season, meaning teams start to think about the competition as early as August, or even sooner, depending with priorities by the management.
Nabi will not have this pressure; failure to qualify for the annual competition means the Tunisian will have a couple of days more, or even weeks to concentrate on the signings made.
Chiefs will avoid Sundowns!
When a new season starts, every team hopes to begin in the best possible way, by winning the first competitive match. Well, you can't guarantee that against the Premier Soccer League champions owing to their undisputed quality.
By finishing eighth, Amakhosi could have been paired with the Brazilians in the MTN8's quarter-final. Nabi would definitely not fancy playing Masandawana, a team that beat him three times last season, that soon in the 2025/26 season.
No Fatigue
The Glamour Boys will domestically chase the Premier Soccer League crown, the Carling Knockout, and the Nedbank Cup. By virtue of winning the Nedbank Cup last season, Amakhosi will be battling for the Caf Confederation Cup crown.
The majority of the players at the club are not used to playing abroad and competing domestically. With MTN8, it could have been harder for them to deliver effectively. At least, they can concentrate on the four competitions and avoid thinking about MTN8 which could have added unnecessary fatigue.
Concentrate on PSL
Chiefs are a big club and shouldn't be struggling to make the top positions every season. Imagine finishing 10th in the 2023/24 campaign, and a position higher a year later.
Nabi wants to win the league, it is one of the reasons why he was given a chance by the Soweto giants. By missing out on MTN8, the energy can be channeled to the Premier Soccer League. But on whether he will challenge Sundowns and Pirates, it is a matter of wait and see.
Reason for players to work harder
Playing for Kaizer Chiefs is a massive privilege and a dream for many players in the country. However, failing to even make the top eight undermines the playing unit and technical team's abilities.
It will be a massive challenge for the players to ensure that doesn't happen for the third time in a row. The Glamour Boys have to step up and push for the top positions and that means they have no option but to deliver consistently.
