AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs set contrasting tones ahead of new campaign

AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs head into the 2025/26 season with contrasting ambitions — Usuthu focusing on a long-term rebuild under Arthur Zwane, while Amakhosi, guided by Nasreddine Nabi, aim to end their trophy drought with a reinforced squad and continental aspirations.

AmaZulu

Club owner: Sandile Zungu

Head coach: Arthur Zwane

Highest ever finish: 1st

Competitions: Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, Carling Knockout Cup

AmaZulu wrapped up the 2024/25 season in a respectable sixth position, ending a campaign where flashes of potential were often overshadowed by a lack of consistency.

Looking ahead to the new season, Arthur Zwane prepares for his second full term at the helm—this time as the sole head coach after initially sharing the role with former Richards Bay tactician Vusimuzi Vilakazi, who departed during the course of last season.

Joining Zwane on the technical team is Simo Dladla, the former head coach of Durban City, who arrives fresh off guiding his side to promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Dladla’s arrival is expected to bring renewed energy and tactical variety to the Usuthu setup.

Last season, AmaZulu finished as the top KwaZulu-Natal side on the table. With many teams struggling to find stability, Zwane will be targeting more consistency in that department, having seen his side drop key points due to lapses in rhythm and performance.

The club’s transfer dealings signal a clear long-term vision. A major overhaul of the squad saw several regular players depart, most notably Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Veli Mothwa, as the club seeks to rebuild with fresh faces.

Another notable exit was that of midfielder Tshepang Moremi, who joined Orlando Pirates. While the deal may have been financially sound, replacing Moremi’s influence in the middle of the park will be a tall order, given his impact last season.

Although the current squad may lack experience, it features several promising young talents, including players promoted from the club’s reserve side. While instant success may be uncertain, the club’s focus on youth development under Zwane’s leadership could lay a strong foundation for the future.

Players to watch

1. Riaan Hanamub
2. Bongani Zungu
3. Ryan Moon

Silverware chances: None

Predicted league finish: Eighth

Kaizer Chiefs

Caption: Kaizer Chiefs will look to hit the ground running with six new signings and continental ambitions under Nasreddine Nabi.

Club owner: Kaizer Motaung

Head coach: Nasreddine Nabi

Highest ever finish: First

Competitions: Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, Carling Knockout Cup, CAF Confederation Cup

Nasreddine Nabi enters his second season at Kaizer Chiefs knowing there will be little room for inconsistency as the team looks to end its trophy drought.

Having previously stressed that the club was in a “building process” and lacked adequate quality, Chiefs have now made a firm investment in the squad. They jetted out to The Netherlands for a two-week pre-season camp and bolstered the ranks with six new players: Siphesihle Ndlovu, Ethan Chislett, Flavio Silva, Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako and Nkanyiso Shinga.

The sextet brings a mix of local and international experience. Ndlovu, Monyane and Mako played domestically last season, while Chislett, Silva and Shinga return from stints abroad.

Chiefs are still pursuing the signature of striker Etiosa Ighodaro, but administrative issues involving Mamelodi Sundowns have stalled the deal. Nabi, speaking at the Betway Premiership launch in Sandton on Tuesday, confirmed his admiration for the Nigerian forward following his loan spell at AmaZulu last season.

While the pursuit continues, Nabi must work with the players currently available. That means newcomers like Silva will need to deliver goals early to win over the Amakhosi faithful.

Defensive frailties were a major issue last season, with the side leaking goals and struggling for structure. Nabi must address these gaps, and Ndlovu will be expected to fill the void left by Yusuf Maart in midfield — linking up play and providing defensive cover.

With no clear move to bring in a new goalkeeper, the responsibility lies with Bruce Bvuma and Brandon Petersen to prove they can be a reliable last line of defence.

Players to watch

1. Thabo Cele
2. Siphesihle Ndlovu
3. Wandile Duba

Silverware chances: Promising

Predicted league finish: Fourth