Latest news with #Chiefs'
TimesLIVE
8 hours ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Inacio misses two penalties as Chiefs lose to Kotoko in last pre-season gig in Durban
Shinga certainly looked solid in a position for which Nabi struggled to get a regular player last season. Physically, the Durban-born Shinga showed he is not easy to beat and at times supported Glody Lilepo in attack. Monyane, signed from Chiefs' Soweto archrivals Orlando Pirates, was his usual self, very keen to help when his new team attacked, but his poor final ball will need to improve. There was clear evidence of growth on the part of McCarthy, who was playing alongside Inacio in front of goalkeeper Brandon Peterson — who seems to be the preferred No 1 by Nabi these days. In the midfield, Chiefs battled to create clear openings, but Sibongiseni Mthethwa showed why Nabi preferred him in the defensive midfield role as he helped clean up when Thabo Cele, Mfundo Vilakazi and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo lost possession. Many had written off Da Silva before this match, but he did show glimpses of being a good target man, and his movement off the ball was not bad. He nearly gave Chiefs the lead midway through the first half when he connected with Ngcobo's free kick but was unlucky to miss the posts. Nabi made a couple of changes at the restart, as he was keen to test as many players in the last proper pre-season match before Chiefs open their league campaign away to Stellenbosch FC in Cape Town on August 10. Da Silva made way for Wandile Duba, Mduduzi Shabalala came on for Cele, while Mmodi took Vilakazi's place. Duba was unlucky to see his delightful strike hit the upright, just 10 minutes after he entered the fray on a pitch that looked in need of tender care, a week before the start of the football season. Nabi will be happy his substitutes Shabalala and Mmodi combined well, creating the penalty that Inacio missed. Referee Philangenkosi Khumalo pointed to the spot after Mmodi was fouled by Henry Ansu, with Shabalala having played him through with a headed pass. As much as Chiefs showed promise in this encounter, it will, however, be how they do in their first five league matches that will give a clearer indication whether they avoid finishing outside the top eight for a third successive season.
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Chiefs DT Mike Pennel reflects on his mentors while working with Omarr Norman-Lott
At Monday's training camp press conference, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Mike Pennel shares his thoughts on rookie teammate Omarr Norman-Lott and his mentors at the start of his career. "I mean, I had great vets in Green Bay. (former LB) Clay Matthews (former DE), Julius Peppers (former DT), B.J. Raji, but as you know, being a big help to my career, and Nick Perry (former DE). Those guys, you know they were at the top of their game. Clay Matthews in commercials," said Pennel, "A lot of those guys were Hall of Fame type guys with Julius Peppers and Clay. They really took me under their wing. They didn't really take me as an undrafted free agent; they would let me work with them outside of the facility. Tell me how to win, how not to do things and it was just easy. I really appreciate those guys. I stay in contact with those guys now so it's awesome." Pennel, entering his 12th NFL season, played a key part in Kansas City's victories in Super Bowl LIV and LVIII, and is expected to play a rotational role on the Chiefs' defensive line next season. He has taken on the role as a mentor for the Chiefs' second-round draft pick. "It's really good. You know, he (Omarr Norman-Lott) is going to progress as he is coming in – he attacks it (practice) every day like a pro," said Pennel, "He has great explosiveness, good hands, he's a natural rusher. So now it's just you know, learning that first year about everything coming at you, learning what the offense's tendencies are and him and Ashton (Gillotte), they're absorbing it real well, so I'm excited." Last season at Tennessee, Norman-Lott played in all 13 games, finishing with 18 tackles and four sacks.
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
OPINION: Why Kaizer Chiefs should sell Mdu Shabalala
Kaizer Chiefs star Mduduzi Shabalala is undoubtedly a favourite with the fans. However, the club may need to consider selling. The 21-year-old has been frustratingly inconsistent since becoming a key player in the starting XI. Should Chiefs be looking to attract foreign wealthy suitors? The Chiefs striker curse At the start of the 2024-2025 season, Mdu Shabalala was a critical component in the Chiefs' side, operating from the number 10 role. His output was healthy, too. However, that has dwindled dramatically. In 27 league appearances, he only got four goals and an assist. Kaizer Chiefs transfers: Three youngsters with mixed futures Only a bold man would predict that Mduduzi Shabalala will leave Chiefs in the winter, but his long-term prospects don't look great. The writing isn't on the wall yet, however, and it's up to the player to prove how much he wants to become a legend at the club. If big offers come in from any of the wealthy clubs in South Africa, or better yet, abroad, Chiefs might have to seriously consider them. The money could go towards two or even three new young prospects playing in South Africa. Finally, some good news for Kaizer Chiefs fans Mduduzi Shabalala of Kaizer Chiefs. Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
NBC Sports
2 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Owner Clark Hunt: Chiefs feel "urgency" on stadium selection
The Chiefs have stadium options in Missouri and in Kansas. They're currently negotiating with both states, in a process that gives the Chiefs ample leverage. Team owner Clark Hunt met with reporters on Monday, and he addressed the dilemma the Chiefs face as to their future location. 'We're grateful to have two really good options,' Hunt said. 'I don't want to get into how close we are making a decision because I found over time with a stadium situations that until they're done, they're not done. There's a lot of work, a lot of moving parts, and we're working through those. Certainly, I would say we feel urgency to bringing the process to a conclusion, but that doesn't mean I can will it to happen in any specified period of time.' For the Chiefs, the reality is that staying in Missouri with a renovated Arrowhead Stadium will be cheaper than building a new, presumably domed stadium in Kansas. Is cost a factor for Hunt? 'We're more focused on getting it right, picking the option that's best for our fans, and one that's best for the community and best for the organization for the next several decades.' On one hand, they have an iconic venue in Missouri. On the other hand, a new stadium in Kansas would likely attract a Super Bowl and possibly many other events. It seems as if a decision will happen sooner than later, with the Chiefs' least at Arrowhead Stadium running through the 2030 season.
NBC Sports
2 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Trent McDuffie: I love being a Chief, the contract stuff will come
In recent weeks, the Chiefs have signed offensive lineman Trey Smith and edge rusher George Karlaftis to long-term contracts. Cornerback Trent McDuffie could be the next man up. The No. 21 overall pick of the 2022 draft, McDuffie has proven his value, particularly over the last two seasons. He was a first-team AP All-Pro in 2023 and received second-team honors in 2024 — leading the Chiefs to exercise his fifth-year option for 2026. Nate Taylor of ESPN noted on Monday that the Chiefs would like to sign McDuffie to a long-term deal before the start of the regular season. McDuffie said on Monday that he's not spending much time thinking about it. 'When it comes to contract stuff, my relationship with my agent is the [best] I've ever had,' McDuffie said, via Taylor. 'With that, I've allowed him to really focus on contract stuff. 'For me, I really just want to focus on ball. I love being a Chief. I know the contract stuff will come.' McDuffie, who has played on the inside and outside at corner in the past, noted he still feels he has room for improvement. 'Every year is a new year and you want to prove that you still have it,' McDuffie said. 'Even in the nickel, I feel I have something to prove. On the outside, I have something to prove.' Team owner Clark Hunt, who spoke to the media more extensively about the Chiefs' stadium situation, was also asked about potentially signing McDuffie to a new deal. 'One of the themes you saw was rewarding players we had drafted,' Hunt said. 'I'm a big believer that you build teams through the draft. I don't want to speak specifically about any one player, but it is a priority for us to keep the nucleus of the team together.'
