Beware Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates! Downs legend impressed by Kaizer Chiefs - 'This is a team that wants to compete this season'

Former Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana has tipped Kaizer Chiefs to be a competitive side in the Premier Soccer League.

Kekana said he feels Chiefs look hungrier than ever, and he is expecting the Soweto giants to challenge their rivals when the new Premier Soccer League season begins.

“I’ve seen a better Kaizer Chiefs. I’ve seen a team that wants to win football matches,” Kekana told Soccerzone.

“I’ve seen distances in the midfield. I’ve seen distances as a team in the structure. You can tell this is a team that wants to compete this season," he added.

After struggling last season and finishing in ninth place, there is a palpable feeling that Amakhosi will be a far better side this time around.

Head coach Nasreddine Nabi will be in charge of his second season, and the club has brought on board new players to strengthen the playing unit.

Pirates and Sundowns have been the PSL title outright contenders in the recent campaigns as Chiefs struggled. Given their PSL status, Amakhosi are always expected to give Bucs and Downs a tough run in the league, but that has not been the case.

However, Kekana feels that it will change in the 2025/26 season, as he tips the new players to elevate Amakhosi.

But doubts persist given how the Glamour Boys performed in the pre-season - one win in five games - and the loss to Asante Kotoko in the Toyota Cup showdown.

Fans are hopeful that their club will rise and occupy its rightful competitive position in the league.

Apart from challenging Masandawana and the Sea Robbers in the PSL, supporters expect their team to defend the Nedbank Cup, last season's achievement that ended a decade-long spell without a new trophy in the cabinet.

Chiefs will start the 2025/26 season with a game against Stellenbosch.