Youngsters shine as Chiefs beat top-flight Zwolle in the Netherlands
Amakhosi coach Nasreddine Nabi started with more regular senior performers, then introduced younger players off the bench as his team had good possession and structure and created decent chances.
Generally Chiefs impressed against the team that finished in 10th place in the Eredivise last season, though the Dutch side were under-strength. Just two players who were fielded in their last Eredivisie match of the 2024-25 season against Groningen were in the starting line-up against Chiefs as they ran the rule over some fringe players, though Zwolle did have at least five senior players on their bench.
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IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
Unbeaten Kaizer Chiefs face first major challenge as Mamelodi Sundowns test looms
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IOL News
19 hours ago
- IOL News
Kaizer Chiefs must tread carefully with how they integrate new players into the team
Kaizer Chiefs Gaston Sirino during Betway Premiership League against Richards Bay at the FNB stadium. | Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers Kaizer Chiefs' supporters have waited with bated breath for this milestone, and that's why the team mustn't jinx things by fixing what isn't broken. Chiefs won their first three league games in a row on Wednesday night — for the first time since the triumphant 2014/2015 season. It has been a delightful start to the Betway Premiership campaign for the Amakhosi faithful, so much so that they are daring to dream once again. Chiefs' three consecutive wins came without head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who is back home in Tunisia due to a family emergency. In his absence, his trusted lieutenants Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze have been steering the ship with aplomb, achieving incredible results. Not only have Chiefs won all three matches since the start, but they've also kept consecutive clean sheets — a major improvement after last season's disastrous league run. Ben Youssef was modest before the 1-0 win over Richards Bay on Wednesday, admitting that the team wasn't at its best in the previous victories against Stellenbosch and Polokwane City. Given that there's still a lot of work to be done, the unveiling of the trio Etiosa Igodharo, Luke Baartman and Asanele Velebayi is an exciting prospect for Chiefs fans. Kaizer Chiefs' newest signing is a menace in front of goal 🔥 Etiosa Ighodaro is always in the kitchen 👨🍳#SSDiski — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 19, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The three signings will certainly add depth — Baartman and Velebayi are promising talents for the future, while Igodharo has already shown glimpses of his scoring prowess. 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When Gaston Sirino arrived at Chiefs last season, he was expected to be a game-changer, bringing the hunger and skillset that saw him win multiple titles at Sundowns. But it wasn't to be — he looked like a shadow of his former self. This season, though, Sirino has picked himself up and is showing real grit in his game. He won the match for Chiefs against Richards Bay ('the Natal Rich Boys') with a well-taken goal early in the second half, rolling back the years. Immediate impact off the bench from Gastón Sirino 😤 It's beautiful stuff from Amakhosi 🤩🎯 📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 19, 2025
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
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Kaizer Chiefs have begun the 2025/26 Betway Premiership with a renewed sense of purpose, turning last season's frustrations into early optimism. After a campaign marked by inconsistency and disappointment, Amakhosi appear to have rediscovered their rhythm, giving supporters fresh hope with a perfect start to the season. Last year's main flaw was their inability to maintain consistency; despite adjustments, they repeatedly dropped valuable points, eventually finishing ninth. It was a bitter pill for a club of their stature, and expectations for this season were understandably cautious. Following their 1-0 win over Richards Bay FC at the FNB Stadium, hope has been restored. Of course, no titles are decided in August nor the order of the table, but a strong start provides a foundation on which confidence can be built — and the Glamour Boys have done just that. Here we will look at the five key talking points from their season so far. A team finding its identity and playing style? Much of the buzz this season has focused on head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who has been away attending to a family emergency. Questions naturally arose over whether his absence might disrupt the rhythm the team has found, but those doubts have largely been put to rest. Assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef confirmed that Nabi has remained deeply involved, helping guide the side from back home and he might be in the bench in their match against Mamelodi Sundowns next week. Beyond his presence, Chiefs face the bigger challenge of defining their identity this season, especially with a host of new signings. Early signs are promising, but the real test will be maintaining momentum while seamlessly integrating the newcomers into the squad's rhythm. Defensive resilience Another standout improvement has come at the back. Defensive instability was a hallmark of last season, with constant errors and reshuffling undermining results. This time, goalkeeper Brandon Petersen's return to the No.1 spot has brought stability. After patiently waiting for his chance, Petersen has made the most of it, guiding Chiefs to three consecutive clean sheets. His leadership has been complemented by the partnership forming between Aiden McCarthy and captain Inacio Miguel, while Bafana Bafana defender Rushwin Dortley is set to return from injury soon, further strengthening their options. Sirino finds his spark In attack, Gaston Sirino delivered one of the most encouraging moments so far. The Uruguayan, who this season is under pressure to perform, scored the decisive goal against Richards Bay. That strike could provide the boost he needs to finally ignite his Chiefs career. With continental competition also on the horizon in the CAF Confederation Cup, Chiefs will need experienced players like Sirino to step up and deliver consistently. New signings and healthy competition The club has also been active in the transfer market, unveiling youngsters Luke Baartman and Asanele Velebayi, both arriving after disputes with Cape Town Spurs, along with Nigerian striker Etiosa Ighodaro. These reinforcements, combined with earlier acquisitions, highlight Chiefs' intent to strengthen across all departments. The depth they now possess means competition for places will be fierce, reducing complacency and ensuring standards remain high. Youngsters to play with freedom With action happening everywhere else, the spotlight and expectations have shifted from talented youngsters including Mduduzi Shabalala who may just have a good opportunity to reach his peak playing with less expectations.. With a weight of expectation on him to deliver in seasons past, it has prevented him the freedom to be the player he is and while nothing is guaranteed, a continuous happy camp may just spark his best form.
