Ahead of the 2025/26 season, KickOff highlights five positives from Kaizer Chiefs' pre-season friendlies.
1. Number one goalkeeper settled
Chiefs were indecisive in making a choice on who is their number one goalkeeper last season, with Bruce Bvuma replacing Fiacre Ntwari after the first seven games and Brandon Petersen reduced to a spectator until the Nedbank Cup final. Petersen has since started in all Amakhosi's pre-season matches.
2. New signing impresses
Every club needs a feel-good factor ahead of the new season and new signing Thabiso Monyane, has impressed at right wing-back. Monyane started in four out of six Chiefs pre-season matches, which may signal that he is the preferred choice at right back.
READ | Reinforcements update at Chiefs ahead of new season
3. Chiefs settled at centre-back?
Amakhosi's depth in the left-sided centre-back position was affected after they sold Thatoyaone Ditlhokwe to Al-Ittihad. Left-footed centre-backs are scarce and the Soweto giants seem to have unearthed a gem in Aden McCarthy, although as a second option to Rushwin Dortley.
4. Vilakazi to come of age?
Mfundo Vilakazi, 19, was thrown in at the deep end at Amakhosi when the chips were down and as a result of pressure, blew hot and cold, although his talent is undoubted. With the Glamour Boys boasting more depth than last season, Vilakazi could finally blossom, as he has to fight for his position.
READ | Chiefs new signing gets approval from Nabi
5. More options on the bench
Chiefs struggled with having competition for places last season, as youngsters including also Wandile Duba and Mduduzi Shabalala had to carry the team. However, head coach Nasreddine Nabi will have a healthy headache, especially with the signing of Paseka Mako, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Ethan Chislett, Nkanyiso Shinga and Flavio Silva.
With Monyane seemingly a first choice right-back, Reeve Frosler will also compete for places at left-back.
