Kaizer Chiefs face a frustrating wait for their next Betway Premiership fixture. However, it’s been a promising start to the season.
New defensive foundation
There will be teething issues with an almost entirely brand-new defensive unit, but Inacio Miguel, Rushwin Dortley and Bradley Cross have impressed and settled quickly alongside existing right-back Reeve Frosler. That back four has started all three games in the 2024-2025 season together.
Dortley will be a superstar
22-year-old Rushwin Dortley should go to the top of South African football but patience will be needed with a player who’s relatively young in his position. Chiefs are certainly more of an entertaining watch so far this season with a fit and firing central striker and defensive unit still forming collective cohesiveness. All three of their matches this season have featured goals at both ends, although Nabi will want his side to start picking up clean sheets. That’s the next step.
Ranga has found his shooting boots
Of course, a prolific striker would be nice too, although Ranga Chivaviro’s start to the season has been promising. The former Gallants man battled in his debut campaign with Chiefs, but he’s got goals in back-to-back games this term, including an early strike against Sundowns. Chiefs are averaging two goals scored per game and Ranga is doing his job for now. Nabi still wants his scouts to take a little gander at some options in South America, though.
There is a but…
Despite the presence of more free-flowing football and the energy and excitement around new signings, there are still some reality checks needed. Chiefs controversially lost to Sundowns, meaning they’re still winless against the Brazilians since April 2021 in any competition. Sundowns are now unbeaten in nine H2Hs. Chiefs’ new signings will also hit a dip in form, that’s normal, and their squad depth will be stretched to its limit until January. If Chiefs can hang in the top reaches of the table until then, more smart transfer business will be needed in the next window.
Next three fixtures for Amakhosi
Meanwhile, Amakhosi have a few interesting tests on the horizon although they must wait 22 days until they’re next in action. Nabi has plenty of work to do, but also many reasons to be optimistic about the tests ahead despite defeat to Sundowns.
- SuperSport United – Saturday, October 26, Lucas Moripe Stadium, 17:30
- Magesi FC – Wednesday, October 30, Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, 19:30
- Royal AM – Sunday, November 9 – FNB Stadium, 17:30
Leave a Reply