Kaizer Chiefs brace for tough start as Nasreddine Nabi emphasises measured approach

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi is urging calm and focus ahead of what could be a defining opening stretch to the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign. And, while he isn’t shouting “title challenge” from the rooftops, he’s made it clear that Amakhosi will be competing on all fronts.

Fresh off ending a decade-long trophy drought by lifting the Nedbank Cup last season, the Tunisian mentor now has the weight of expectation on his shoulders. The last time Chiefs lifted the league title was under Stuart Baxter in the 2014/15 season. Since then, near-misses and mediocrity have followed.

This time around, things feel different at Naturena. With stability in the dugout and strategic reinforcements during pre-season, Chiefs are being tipped to challenge for major honours. But Nabi isn’t getting swept up in the hype.

“How we are approaching this season, not the league only, the Nedbank Cup and CAF Confederation Cup, we want to take game by game,” said the coach during a media session at Princess Magogo Stadium.

“We want to do everything we can in every game to win that game. Of course, maybe it’s not going to be possible to win all the games, maybe it will be possible.

“We are going to challenge for every game, whatever capabilities we have. And then after that, we will see where we stand.”

That approach will be tested from the get-go. Chiefs face a demanding start, beginning with a tricky away clash against Stellenbosch FC on 10 August — a team known for their compact structure and home resilience. 

Then come two matches at FNB Stadium against top eight contenders Polokwane City and Richards Bay, both fixtures where maximum points can not be expected.

But it’s the fourth fixture that will serve as a litmus test for Nabi’s side — a titanic away encounter against champions Mamelodi Sundowns. 

It’s a match that could either derail momentum or mark a new chapter in Chiefs’ resurgence. The first five games are capped by another away test against Golden Arrows, who will be eager to exploit any early-season rust.

Despite a 3-2 penalty shootout defeat to Ghana’s Asante Kotoko in the Toyota Cup over the weekend, there are positive signs under Nabi. 

Chiefs were more structured, purposeful, and tactically disciplined — qualities that have often been missing in recent seasons.

But the message from the coach remains clear: No shortcuts, no grandstanding. Every result must be earned.

Chiefs will compete in four competitions this season — the Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, CAF Confederation Cup and Carling Knockout Cup — and managing that workload will be key.

If they navigate their opening fixtures with intent and composure, and avoid early slip-ups, the Glamour Boys could slowly grow into serious contenders. And if they don’t, Nabi insists they’ll still go down fighting — one match at a time.