Kaizer Chiefs' defining 2025/26 season: Will they rebuild or regress?
However, for the second season running, one of South African football's biggest names — Kaizer Chiefs — will once again watch from the sidelines after narrowly missing out on a top-eight finish, ending the last campaign in ninth position.
Chiefs, however, ended last season on a positive note, lifting the Nedbank Cup. That triumph not only secured them a return to continental football via the CAF Confederation Cup, but also reignited belief within the club heading into this campaign.
Expectations are high for the new season — at the very least, a top-eight finish is non-negotiable. The squad rebuild under new coach Nasreddine Nabi now moves into a critical phase, where visible improvement and consistency must replace last season's instability.
Much of their previous struggles were self-inflicted. Defensive lapses, an inability to hold onto leads, and poor execution in key moments proved costly. Injuries, particularly at the back, also disrupted their campaign. But with the injection of new talent and a fresh sense of direction, there is renewed hope that this season could mark a turning point.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs starlet wants out, rival club ready to sign him
A rising Kaizer Chiefs defender has been tipped to join Betway Premiership side TS Galaxy. With Khulumani Ndamane set to leave the club and join Mamelodi Sundowns, Galaxy already have a replacement lined up! Ndamane, himself a Kaizer Chiefs academy graduate, is likely to complete a blockbuster move to Chloorkop. And another Amakhosi rising star looks set to fill his void at Galaxy for the upcoming season! READ MORE • Orlando Pirates news: Ouaddou opens up on Mofokeng exit talks! READ MORE • Orlando Pirates transfer news: Heartbreak for African star! According to the latest transfer reports, a rising Kaizer Chiefs star could soon be joining TS Galaxy. 21-year-old central defender Xolani Cossa is wanted by The Rockets. The Amakhosi Diski Challenge star is pushing for an exit at Naturena due to a lack of playing opportunities. 'TS Galaxy are reportedly targeting a Kaizer Chiefs defender as their centre-back, Khulumani Ndamane, is on the verge of a big-money move to Mamelodi Sundowns,' a FARPost report read. 'TS Galaxy have identified 21-year-old centre-back Xolani Cossa as a potential replacement for Ndamane. Cossa, who is known for his excellent long-range passing, is reportedly keen to leave Chiefs after struggling to secure a spot in the senior team.' READ MORE • How much Orlando Pirates paid for Oswin Appollis! Should Kaizer Chiefs FC's management offer Cossa a first-team deal? Can they afford to lose the promising youngster? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by also emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Why Orlando Pirates strikers were missing on Saturday
The future of Orlando Pirates strikers Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa became a hot topic following their surprising absence in the team's recent MTN8 quarterfinal clash against Polokwane City. The duo, who have shared the number nine role under former coach Jose Riveiro, were both missing from the matchday squad, raising eyebrows among supporters and analysts alike. In their place, head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou opted to start with young forward Boitumelo Radiopane, while Orlando Pirates' new striker signing Yanela Mbuthuma (23) debuted from the bench. Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa, who scored 15 and 10 goals last season, did not make the matchday squad. Abdeslam Ouaddou coach reads Mofokeng news Orlando Pirates players celebrate Patrick Maswanganyi's goal against Polokwane City in the MTN8 at the Orlando Stadium. Image: Goal 'Makgopa and Mabasa are very important players for me,' said Ouaddou, as quoted by KickOff . 'I know them from before. You have to understand that this season we have a big squad. It will be important to play with freshness because Orlando Pirates will play in many competitions. New Orlando Pirates signings: Six Bafana players 'So, like I said we win games with starting XI, but we win competitions with a group. So, everyone's contribution will be important this season. 'First of all, I want to say give love to everybody, bring the human being on the table. It is important to put trust on the table and not the playing role as a coach. 'I think the dynamics and the size of the club, the number of competitions that the club will play and the love that the coach is giving can help to keep everybody happy,' concluded the 46-year-old Orlando Pirates mentor. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
New Orlando Pirates signing Mariko sent to Chippa United!
Newly-signed Orlando Pirates midfielder Abdoulaye S Mariko has been loaned out to Chippa United. The Mali defensive midfielder will spend the current campaign on loan at Chippa United as Pirates want him to familiarise himself with South African football. He joined Pirates alongside Abdoulaye D Mariko, who is an attacking midfielder and has already made his official debut. Chippa United took to their official social media pages to announce Mariko as their newest and EIGHTH signing of the campaign. As reported by The South African, Chippa United unveiled SEVEN new signings on Wednesday, including two other players from Pirates in Goodman Mosele and Azola Tshobeni. Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. NB: The two Mariko are NOT related despite both hailing from Mali where they played for the same team Djoliba AC.
