After Kaizer Chiefs completed their series of pre-season friendlies available to the public, KickOff.com picks out five question marks ahead of the new season.
1. Silva's struggles in front of goal
Chiefs go into the new season with question marks on new striker Flavio Silva, who is yet to catch the eye, let alone find the back of the net, in six pre-season friendlies.
Silva carried so much expectation from Amakhosi supporters and if his lacklustre performances continue into the official games, the fans could decide his fate, by forcing head coach Nasreddine Nabi to put him on the bench.
2. Do Chiefs have depth in midfield?
Former Amakhosi midfielder and captain Yusuf Maart divided opinion, on whether he was adding value or not but the additional departure of Edson Castillo has left the Glamour Boys thin in the middle of the park.
Thabo Cele and Sibongiseni Mthethwa could be first choices as a double pivot in midfield but there's question marks on whether new signing Siphesihle Ndlovu can fit in while the likes of Samkelo Zwane are yet to hold their own.
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3. Left back position up for grabs?
Chiefs needed a left-back that can hit the ground running and perhaps their best bet, Paseka Mako, is yet to feature in their pre-season games due to injury he came with from Orlando Pirates.
The other new signing, Nkanyiso Shinga is yet to impress, as Nabi has experimented with Reeve Frosler in some games at left-back.
4. Gaston Sirino reduced to an impact player?
Sirino lifted the quality at Chiefs upfront in the early stages of last season but his injury, coupled with reports of a fallout with the Tunisian coach towards the end of the campaign, has seen him play in patches since.
The Uruguayan started in only two out of six pre-season matches, which means his influence could be limited.
READ | 5 Chiefs positives ahead of new season
5. Make or break for Nkosingiphile Ngcobo?
The departure of Maart also means some players who have been long at Chiefs have to step up and those players include Ngcobo, although in a different position.
'Mshini' could have more playing time in the 2025/26 campaign, as he featured prominently in pre-season matches as an eight. At 25, the left-footed midfielder still has a lot to offer but can he finally live up to his billing?
