Why Kaizer Chiefs Should Be Cautious With Their New Signings
Kaizer Chiefs have made an eye-catching start to the Betway Premiership season. They have put together three straight wins that have reignited hope among their fans. It’s been a long time since Amakhosi looked this sharp in the opening stages of a campaign. Naturally, supporters are daring to believe that something special could be unfolding.
What makes this run even more noteworthy is the absence of head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who has been away due to personal reasons. His assistants, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, have stepped up seamlessly. They have guided the team to back-to-back clean sheets and a run of results that has silenced early-season doubts.
Balancing New Faces with Current Form
While the feel-good factor is back, Chiefs’ technical team now face a delicate challenge. The club has added nine new players to the squad. These include the likes of Etiosa Igodharo, Luke Baartman, and Asanele Velebayi. These signings bring promise and depth. Yet, with the team already producing results, the danger lies in disrupting a formula that is finally working.
Football history has shown countless examples of teams losing their rhythm when too many changes are made too quickly. Chiefs’ current side is still far from perfect. However, they are playing with hunger, determination, and unity, qualities that should not be taken for granted.
Signs of Progress on the Pitch
Chiefs’ performances in their opening matches have revealed signs of growth in areas where they previously struggled. Defensive organisation has improved. Clean sheets suggest a tighter unit at the back. Players such as Bradley Cross, who faced criticism last season, are beginning to show maturity and consistency. He is adding strength on the left side of the pitch.
Up front, the revival of Gaston Sirino has been a welcome surprise. Written off by some after a lacklustre first season, the Uruguayan forward has responded with grit. He scored the decisive goal against Richards Bay and inspired younger talents around him. The likes of Mduduzi Shabalala, Wandile Duba, and Mfundo Vilakazi have fed off his energy, combining well to inject flair and unpredictability into Chiefs’ attack.
A Test of Patience and Strategy
The new recruits certainly bring exciting qualities. Baartman and Velebayi are highly rated youngsters tipped to become stars of the future. Meanwhile, Igodharo’s eye for goal gives Chiefs another option in attack. Others, like Siphesihle Ndlovu and Thabiso Monyane, add valuable PSL experience. Yet, the temptation to field them all immediately must be resisted.
Momentum is priceless in football. Chiefs’ revival is still fragile. Forcing too many fresh combinations onto the pitch could undo the progress achieved so far. Instead, the coaching staff would be wise to integrate players gradually. This would give them time to adapt to Nabi’s system while allowing the current core to continue building confidence.
Momentum Must Not Be Broken
The real measure of Chiefs’ progress will come when they face stronger opposition. The looming clash against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns will test whether this early-season surge is built on substance or simply a purple patch.
For now, the message is clear: Kaizer Chiefs should not rush to fix what isn’t broken. With belief restored and results flowing, the priority must be maintaining balance, protecting momentum, and ensuring that new signings strengthen rather than unsettle the team. If managed wisely, this could be the season that finally sees Amakhosi rediscover their old identity.
Related article: Sirino Strike Keeps Kaizer Chiefs Perfect in Betway Premiership
Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer’s opinion.
