Kaizer Chiefs have just one win from five pre-season games. While it’s not yet panic stations, concerns are beginning to rise, from fans to club legends. With the new season fast approaching, the team’s form, tactics, and personnel are all under the microscope.
Among the most vocal critics is former defender Tsepo Masilela, who has questioned the performances and tactical role of new signing Nkhanyiso Shinga.
“To be honest, when I look at Shinga, interesting player, but defensively, there’s been question marks,” Masilela said. “Even the second goal (conceded against Twente), there’s a couple of times (even) in the previous games, he got beaten in one-v-one situations.”
Masilela wasn’t just critical of individual moments but also highlighted a broader tactical issue.
“Your primary job as a defender is to win those duels, to be on top of the winger – that’s how you gain confidence. He’s comfortable on the ball, that we can’t argue. But again, him inverting most of the time, I found it was dragging Lilepo to receive the ball too deep, more like a left-back. I couldn’t understand the idea of him inverting that much.”
Nabi makes it clear
Meanwhile, head coach Nasreddine Nabi has sent a clear message to club management. After winning the Nedbank Cup and ending a 10-year trophy drought, he made it known that further squad investment is non-negotiable.
“That’s the condition for me to stay [at Chiefs],” he said post-final. “I don’t feel that I want to go through what I went through this season.”
The coach’s comments, combined with Masilela’s concerns and on-field struggles, paint a picture of a club with big decisions to make.
Will Kaizer Chiefs make the necessary moves before kickoff?
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