Nasreddin Nabi's renewed team: What Kaizer Chiefs Might Look Like in the 2025/26 Season

Last season was far from ideal for Kaizer Chiefs. They finished ninth, and now the club is doing everything possible to ensure a much-improved campaign. Judging by the latest developments, they're heading in the right direction.

With that in mind, our team has prepared a look at what Kaizer Chiefs might look like next season.

Nasreddine Nabi’s Tactics

Nasreddine Nabi employed a 4-2-3-1 formation throughout last season. A double pivot and a solid midfield core are crucial elements in his setup. He also prefers a classic number nine striker tasked with finishing chances and scoring goals.

Notably, in the final round, Kaizer Chiefs lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, but that appeared to be a one-off move. In the South African Cup final, Nabi reverted to his favored system and managed to achieve the desired result.

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In that final, Chiefs had less possession and focused on defending. However, just days earlier, in a league match against Orlando Pirates, they held more of the ball and tried to play on the front foot.

That contrast highlighted Nabi’s tactical flexibility. In the league, Chiefs often played proactively, taking the initiative in attack. But in the latter stages of the South African Cup, they were content to cede possession and play defensively. They adopted a similar approach in the semifinal.

Kaizer Chiefs’ Problem Last Season

Despite aiming to play attacking football in most of their South African league matches, Kaizer Chiefs struggled with efficiency in front of goal. In none of their last ten Betway Premiership fixtures did they score more than once.

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Over the entire season, they scored just 25 goals—an underwhelming tally compared to the league’s top three. Every team that finished in the top five scored over 30 goals, while the champions and runners-up netted over 40 in 28 rounds.

There were also defensive issues: 32 goals conceded in 28 games. Only one team conceded more, another the same amount, and three others let in 31.

Kaizer Chiefs’ Squad

It’s clear which areas Kaizer Chiefs need to strengthen to become more competitive—and they’ve started doing just that. In a single day, the Amakhosi signed three players: a defender, a midfielder, and a striker. Each line received reinforcements.

Moreover, these are unlikely to be the last signings of the offseason. Chiefs are still monitoring several players, including central defender Thibang Phete and young forward Clement Mzize.

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This summer, Nasreddine Nabi will have more financial backing, and Kaizer Chiefs currently boast one of the highest budgets in the Betway Premier League. The manager’s call for reinforcements has been heard and approved. In addition to the transfers already completed, more are expected.

Based on all this, here is a possible starting XI for Kaizer Chiefs next season:

Bruce Bvuma – Inacio Miguel, Thibang Phete, Nkaniso Shinga, Bradley Cross – Ethan Chislett, Gastón Sirino, Pule Mmodi, Mduduzi Shabalala, Yusuf Maart – Flávio Silva

Expectations

There’s no doubt that Kaizer Chiefs will do everything in their power to avoid repeating last season and aim for a top-three finish. Both management and coaching staff are fully aware of what’s at stake. Beyond the transfer market, the club will invest part of its summer budget in a training camp in the Netherlands.

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Their European tour will cost between 22 and 25 million rand—significantly more than last year’s camp in Turkey. They’re set to play five matches: four against Eredivisie clubs and one against a team from the Dutch second division.

Kaizer Chiefs are making serious preparations and strengthening their squad to deliver better football and improved results. And there’s one thing that fuels hope—their South African Cup triumph.