+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
Kaizer Motaung Snr, Nasreddine Nabi, Yusuf Maart & Gaston Sirino of Kaizer ChiefsGOAL GFX
Celine Abrahams

Quest for Carling Knockout Cup glory: Can Kaizer Chiefs deliver Motaung's 80th birthday present?

The Glamour Boys are close to enduring a decade-long trophy drought, a stark fall from grace for the once-dominant cup kings of Mzansi football.

Despite their woes, Chiefs are determined to change their fortunes with captain Yusuf Maart recently sharing the team’s strong desire to give club founder Kaizer Motaung Senior a special 80th birthday present: a trophy. 

With the 2024/25 season well underway, Amakhosi find themselves amid a campaign filled with challenges and high expectations under coach Nasreddine Nabi. As they prepare to face SuperSport United in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, 19 October, the team's goal is clear - securing a much-needed victory and ultimately bringing home silverware to honour their legendary leader. 

Here, GOAL takes a look at Chiefs’ journey so far, their form under Nabi, and the path to fulfilling that dream of lifting the CKC trophy.

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp 🟢📱

  • Nasreddine Nabi, Kaizer ChiefsBackpage

    New dawn under Nabi

    The arrival of Nabi as head coach marked a fresh start for Amakhosi. Known for his tactical astuteness and focus on structure, Nabi has brought discipline and a renewed sense of purpose to the team. 

    Though the start of the season has seen ups and downs, Chiefs are showing positive signs, which has the club’s beloved faithful believing that their team can turn the corner.

    • Advertisement
  • Themba Zwane and Yusuf Maart, Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi Sundowns Backpage

    Mixed bag of results so far

    Chiefs’ form in the early stages of the 2024/25 season has been a mix of promising performances and frustrating setbacks. While they’ve shown flashes of brilliance, consistency has been elusive. 

    Nabi's side enters the cup fixture following a 2-1 Premier Soccer League defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns. Currently, Chiefs sit in sixth place on the league table, with SuperSport United positioned in 13th after four matches.

  • Gavin Hunt, SuperSport UnitedBackpage

    The Matsatsantsa challenge

    On the other hand, Chiefs can take solace in the fact that Gavin Hunt’s side have been struggling with form. A recent injury crisis has forced Hunt to make tactical adjustments, disrupting their rhythm and leaving them in a vulnerable position.

    This presents Chiefs with an opportunity to capitalize on their opponents’ challenges and gain an edge in the match.

  • Yusuf Maart, Kaizer ChiefsBackpage

    Maart & Co’s mission

    As captain, Maart has embraced the responsibility of leading Chiefs through this pivotal period. Despite critics questioning whether the 29-year-old is the right choice to captain Amakhosi, he has remained focused on his mission - helping the team perform well and ultimately securing silverware. 

    Adding to Chiefs' strength is the inclusion of Gaston Sirino, who has been instrumental since joining the club. Although the former Sundowns star missed last weekend’s friendly against Marumo Gallants, coach Nasreddine Nabi hinted in a press conference that Sirino could make an appearance, though not for the full 90 minutes.

  • Kaizer Chiefs celebrating Cufa Cup, October 2024Backpagepix

    Can Chiefs deliver?

    To give Motaung Senior the perfect 80th birthday gift, Chiefs will need to navigate a tricky path through the CKC competition. 

    With the SuperSport United clash looming, a win would not only propel them into the semi-finals but also give them the confidence boost they need to push for silverware. 

    From there, it’s all about keeping their focus, staying injury-free, and delivering performances worthy of champions. 

  • Kaizer Chiefs fansBackpagepix

    Useful links

Premier Soccer League
TS Galaxy crest
TS Galaxy
TSG
Kaizer Chiefs crest
Kaizer Chiefs
KAC