Kaizer Chiefs: Bringing Back the Glory Days!

Kaizer Chiefs: Bringing Back the Glory Days!

The excitement is palpable at Naturena as Kaizer Chiefs have made a dream start to the 2025/26 PSL season.

With three wins from three, the Glamour Boys are sitting comfortably at the top of the table. 

Their campaign began with a convincing 2-0 victory over Stellenbosch, followed by a gritty 1-0 win against Polokwane City and made it three on the bounce against Richards Bay at the FNB Stadium.

With the PSL season in full swing, I took a look at Kaizer Chiefs’ title credentials!

A Renewed Defensive Steel

One of the most impressive aspects of their early-season form is the defensive solidity they have shown. After a disappointing campaign last season where they conceded 32 goals in 28 league matches, the team has now kept three consecutive clean sheets.

Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has emerged as the clear number one, ahead of Fiacre Ntwari and Bruce Bvuma. The 30-year-old highlighted that the work being done without the ball has been a key focus area under the current setup and believes the club’s renewed focus on defending as a team could make the difference this season. 

The Transfer Market Masterclass

This season’s promising start isn’t a coincidence; it’s the result of a deliberate strategy, highlighted by an impressive transfer window. Kaizer Chiefs have made some significant moves, securing key players from their biggest rivals.

They have secured Orlando Pirates duo Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako, who bring valuable experience and depth to the backline. The biggest statement, however, is the acquisition of striker Etiosa Ighodaro from Mamelodi Sundowns, a move that signals the club’s intent to compete at the highest level.

Furthermore, Chiefs have strengthened their midfield with the signing of Siphesihle Ndlovu, a versatile player who joins from the now defunct SuperSport United.

Ndlovu has already made an immediate impact, scoring the winning goal against Polokwane City. These strategic signings, along with others like Luke Baartman and Asanele Velebayi, have created a squad with the quality and depth to challenge for silverware.

A New Era of Stability

The club’s stability off the field is also playing a crucial role. Manager Nasreddine Nabi is the longest-serving coach among the PSL’s “big three,” a testament to the club’s newfound patience and belief in his long-term project. His coaching philosophy has had over a full season to take root, and the benefits are now starting to show.

Even in Nabi’s recent absence due to a family emergency, the team has performed admirably under assistants Cedric Kaze and Ben Youssef, a clear sign that the system and team culture are now firmly in place.

The Road Ahead: A Test of Character

While the perfect start is cause for celebration, the real test is yet to come. The club’s recent Nedbank Cup triumph has earned them a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup, which will add a demanding schedule of continental fixtures to their domestic campaign.

The last time the club competed on the African stage, they reached the 2021 CAF Champions League final, and fans will be hoping this new-look squad can replicate or even surpass that achievement.

Earlier this week, Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele mentioned that the strong competition within the squad will be crucial to the team’s pursuit of trophies this season.

It’s still very early, and the problems of last season are not entirely forgotten, however, the signs are promising!