New signings and high expectations - Are Nasreddine Nabi’s Kaizer Chiefs ready to fight for trophies this season?

Chiefs approached the off-season with urgency, conducting transfer business that clearly aligned with Nabi’s tactical outlook and the club’s need to evolve. One of the most notable additions is Ethan Chislett, a technically gifted attacking midfielder who brings European experience and a natural eye for space. His role will be vital in unlocking defences, especially in matches where Chiefs dominate possession but struggle to find a cutting edge in the final third.

At the back, the arrival of Nkanyiso Shinga from Alverca and the inclusion of former Orlando Pirates duo Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako are aimed at improving both the defensive shape and attacking transitions. In midfield, Siphesihle Ndlovu joins a reshuffled engine room, expected to bring both energy and discipline. Up front, the signing of Flávio Silva was seen as a gamble - a striker with decent numbers abroad but untested in South African football. 

These moves indicate a deeper strategy than previous windows. Chiefs aren’t just collecting talent — they’re addressing specific areas of vulnerability. Defensive lapses, lack of midfield composure, and an overreliance on moments of individual brilliance up front have all plagued the team in recent years. The test, however, is whether these signings can gel quickly enough to turn theory into results.

The Glamour Boys’ pre-season camp in the Netherlands offered both a stern test of their readiness and a reality check on where they truly stand. The team were involved in five friendlies against Vitesse, Utrecht, NEC Nijmegen, PEC Zwolle and Twente. Nabi’s side managed just one win from five matches, a 1-0 victory over PEC Zwolle. 

Playing against high-tempo, well-drilled teams exposed some of the recurring issues that have held Chiefs back. 

The 4-0 loss to Utrecht was particularly humbling, not just in terms of the scoreline but the ease with which the Dutch side carved through the defensive block. Even in matches where Chiefs looked more settled, such as the narrow loss to NEC Nijmegen and the win over PEC Zwolle, there were concerns around the lack of clinical finishing, sluggish combinations in attack and vulnerabilities when pressed high up the pitch.

The broader takeaway from the tour was clear: this is a team still under construction, and not yet the finished product. 

And, to add to the team's matters, they went on to lose the Toyota Cup for a second year in a row, against Ghana’s Asante Kotoko in a penalty shootout.  

As much as the new signings have grabbed headlines, the players who have left Naturena also mark the end of an era. Long-serving midfielder and captain Yusuf Maart moved on after playing a pivotal role in the Nedbank Cup triumph. Mduduzi Mdantsane, Edmilson Dove, Njabulo Blom, Sabelo Radebe, Ranga Chivaviro, Tebogo Potsane and Bongani Sam also headed out the exit door.

The clear-out wasn’t just about making space; it was about shifting the psychological makeup of the squad. For too long, Chiefs have had players burdened by the weight of previous failures. Nabi appears to have sought not just skill but mindset, players who aren’t carrying scars but instead bring fresh belief and professional hunger. 

What remains to be seen is whether the new players can quickly establish themselves as dependable under pressure. Domestic football is unforgiving and Chiefs don’t have the luxury of a grace period.  

Despite the positive movement in the market, Chiefs still appear to lack a few critical ingredients. Most notably, there’s no clear solution at centre-forward. Flávio Silva, while industrious, struggled to impose himself during pre-season and it remains to be seen whether he can adapt to the unique pace and physicality of South African football. Without a reliable source of goals, Chiefs could again be forced to rely heavily on midfielders or wide players to chip in.

There are also concerns in the goalkeeping department. The lack of a consistently commanding goalkeeper could become a stumbling block in tight matches.

Injuries, too, could expose a lack of depth. While the starting eleven has seen improvement, there’s not yet enough clarity on the bench. Chiefs may have addressed their core structure, but whether they can rotate effectively across a full campaign, while competing on multiple fronts, including the Caf Confederation Cup, is still in doubt. 

If Amakhosi are to mount a serious title challenge, they will need to be sharp from the opening whistle, because the league has handed them a brutal start. Their first four PSL fixtures see them face Stellenbosch, Polokwane City, Richards Bay and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns. 

None of these fixtures are straightforward. Stellenbosch finished ahead of Chiefs last season and have been one of the most cohesive sides in the league. Polokwane City and Richards Bay, often underrated, have proven tricky customers, capable of frustrating even the most dominant teams. And then there is Sundowns - a fixture that not only demands tactical perfection but emotional intensity. Chiefs will have to bring both if they are to make a statement early in the campaign. 

This stretch could very well set the tone for the rest of their season. A strong start would ignite belief and quiet the doubters. A poor one, on the other hand, could pile on early pressure, both internally and from a fanbase that’s grown tired of talking about potential. 

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