Kaizer Chiefs' defining 2025/26 season: Will they rebuild or regress?

The 2025/26 season has officially kicked off, with the MTN8 taking centre stage this weekend. The top eight teams from last season are looking to begin their campaigns on a high note, with early silverware up for grabs.

However, for the second season running, one of South African football’s biggest names — Kaizer Chiefs — will once again watch from the sidelines after narrowly missing out on a top-eight finish, ending the last campaign in ninth position.

Chiefs, however, ended last season on a positive note, lifting the Nedbank Cup. That triumph not only secured them a return to continental football via the CAF Confederation Cup, but also reignited belief within the club heading into this campaign.

Expectations are high for the new season — at the very least, a top-eight finish is non-negotiable. The squad rebuild under new coach Nasreddine Nabi now moves into a critical phase, where visible improvement and consistency must replace last season’s instability.

Much of their previous struggles were self-inflicted. Defensive lapses, an inability to hold onto leads, and poor execution in key moments proved costly. Injuries, particularly at the back, also disrupted their campaign. But with the injection of new talent and a fresh sense of direction, there is renewed hope that this season could mark a turning point.

New arrivals Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane bring with them a winning mentality from Orlando Pirates — a club that has enjoyed trophy success in recent seasons. Players with that experience and mindset are crucial for the club’s ambitions, and with the transfer window still open, the club has an opportunity to secure a game-changing signing.

Monyane has already impressed in pre-season, including the recent Toyota Cup clash against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko. He looks like someone capable of delivering consistent performances — if he remains fit.

The Netherlands pre-season tour also offered a glimpse into what the new signings could offer, though not much beyond what was already expected.

Gaston Sirino, one of the club’s standout stars in terms of potential, remains a key figure in this new-look squad. However, even he will know that his performances have not yet matched his full potential. This season will be crucial for him to rediscover his best form and provide the quality and leadership expected of a player of his calibre.

As Amakhosi’s technical team works to settle on a core group of players, the real challenge lies in maintaining consistency — both in selection and results. This was a key weakness last season and cannot be allowed to repeat.

Qualification for continental competition adds an extra layer of pressure on the team, as they now have to juggle domestic duties with the demands of travelling across the continent and facing unfamiliar opposition.

For a club of Chiefs’ stature — not just in South Africa but across the continent — watching the MTN8 from the outside should sting. With CAF football and several domestic competitions to contest, the season ahead holds great promise.

The big question, though, is whether their rebuilding phase is over — and if they are now ready to reap the rewards of their efforts.