Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has promised supporters a significant improvement in the club’s fortunes this coming season but remained tight-lipped on any talk of a league title push.
Kaizer Chiefs Focused on Steady Progress
Speaking at the official launch of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season in Sandton, Nabi addressed the media alongside coaches from all 16 top-flight teams. While he refrained from making bold title predictions, the Tunisian mentor made it clear that Amakhosi will show progress compared to their ninth-place finish last season.
“We’re not here to talk about titles. We’re going to approach the season one game at a time,” said Nabi. “But what I can say is that we’ll be better. It’s a competitive league, and we’re aware of where we’ve come from and where we aim to go.”
Chiefs kick off their new campaign with a tricky away clash against Stellenbosch FC this Sunday at Cape Town Stadium, a side they managed to defeat three times last season, including a critical Nedbank Cup victory.
A Familiar Rival Awaits
While Stellenbosch ended last season in third, securing back-to-back CAF Confederation Cup qualification, they struggled to find an answer to Chiefs in head-to-head clashes. Still, Stellies head coach Steve Barker took a light-hearted jab at Nabi’s optimism.
“He says it wasn’t a bad season because they beat us three times and lifted the Nedbank Cup,” Barker joked. “It’s always challenging to face Chiefs. But it’s a fantastic fixture to open the season, and we know fans will show up in numbers.”
The clash marks an early test for both clubs, with Chiefs keen to put a turbulent league campaign behind them and Stellenbosch eager to solidify their standing as one of the country’s top sides.
A New Era for Pirates Too
Across Soweto, Orlando Pirates are also undergoing a new phase under head coach Abdelsam Ouaddou. The Moroccan tactician enjoyed a solid debut last weekend as the Buccaneers overcame Polokwane City 2-0 in the MTN8 quarterfinals. New signing Oswin Appollis made an instant impact by scoring against his former club.
Ouaddou credited the club’s recruitment team for finding players who suit his vision. “The scouts have done a great job. Pirates are a big club with a rich identity. Now it’s about getting the players to understand and implement my system,” he said.
Pirates will host Sekhukhune United on Saturday at Orlando Stadium, hoping to carry their MTN8 momentum into the league opener.
All Eyes on Cape Town
With the new season kicking off, all attention turns to the Cape Town Stadium, where Chiefs’ fresh start under Nabi begins. There’s a buzz around what Amakhosi might achieve, especially after their Nedbank Cup success. However, fans are still waiting to see if that cup run was a sign of genuine progress or just a glimmer in a period of inconsistency.
Despite avoiding title talk, Nabi’s confidence in his squad is apparent. There’s a renewed sense of purpose at Naturena, and while the focus remains on one match at a time, expectations are quietly growing behind the scenes.
A Season Promising Fireworks
As anticipation builds across the country, there’s little doubt that the 2025/26 Betway Premiership is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in years. Chiefs are chasing redemption. Pirates are seeking identity under new leadership. And Stellenbosch are aiming to prove last season was no fluke.
For Kaizer Chiefs, it all starts with that trip to Cape Town, where words will need to be matched with performances on the pitch.
Related article: Kaizer Chiefs at a Crossroads: What Nabi Must Fix in the 2025/26 Season
