Kaizer Chiefs’ subtle improvements spark a season of progress

Kaizer Chiefs are a team growing in confidence, and their strong start to the 2025/26 season can be traced back to a series of subtle but significant improvements across the pitch.

Their Nedbank Cup triumph at the end of the 2024/25 campaign did far more than end a long wait for silverware. It injected renewed belief into the squad, and since then, the club has continued to move in a positive direction, even with much still to unfold during the current season.

Although there have been echoes of last season’s stop-start rhythm, the Soweto giants have shown greater consistency and steady development, even when results have fallen short of their expectations.

Many anticipated that Nasreddine Nabi’s departure would disrupt this progress—especially after he hinted throughout last season that the upcoming campaign would be when he finally served his “dish hot,” promising something special was in the works. 

His exit caught many by surprise. Yet, under the guidance of his assistants, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, the squad has instead shown a stronger sense of unity, hunger, and collective ambition.

There have been several clear positives so far, and a few have stood out more prominently than others.

Defensive organisation

Defence was a major concern last season and at the core of the team’s struggles. Constant changes, injuries, inconsistent form, and limited depth made it difficult to build any kind of stability at the back.

This season, Amakhosi have addressed those issues with intent. The arrival of former Orlando Pirates right-back Thabiso Monyane has strengthened the defensive line before being disrupted by injury, while Brandon Petersen has firmly established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper after months of uncertainty.

The impact is evident as Chiefs currently boast the joint-second-best defensive league record with just six goals conceded—a dramatic improvement from the instability that defined their previous campaign.

Quality signings and competition for places

Across all areas of the pitch, competition has intensified. From defence to attack, few players are guaranteed a starting place, particularly with the depth they now have in every position. 

This internal contest has been a major advantage, as players are pushing each other while ensuring they make their mark whenever opportunities arise. The added depth has visibly raised the overall standard, a crucial factor as the season prepares to enter a more demanding phase.

The Caf Confederations Cup will introduce new challenges, and while the Glamour Boys have enjoyed a steady domestic start, their depth, mentality, and resilience will be tested once the continental schedule picks up. Regardless of the outcome, the experience will play an important role in shaping them into a more complete and competitive side.

Young talent stepping up

In recent seasons, youngsters like Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala have carried heavy expectations because of their talent. The weight showed, particularly on Shabalala, who was relied on heavily during a difficult period for the club.

This season, however, the outlook is far more encouraging. Both players have shown promising signs of growth, and crucially, they are no longer expected to shoulder the responsibility on their own. A new group of youngsters has stepped forward, most notably Aiden McCarthy—who has made an impressive start to the campaign—and, more recently, Asanele Velebayi.

While they still have aspects of their game to refine, their exposure at senior level, alongside experienced campaigners, will accelerate their development and ultimately benefit the club in the long run.