Last season, the frustration surrounding Kaizer Chiefs was almost tangible, a silence hanging over crowds that were once roaring and proud. The vuvuzelas have gone mute. A deep sense of disappointment surrounded the fact that the club’s golden era had faded into the deepest parts of everyone’s memories. However, this season, something is different. There is an energy shift, quiet, but persistent. A renewed confidence builds its way on the field, behind the scenes, and in the stands. There is no triumphant storybook comeback just yet, but rather, there is a steady progression of a team learning how to rebuild. From tactical adaptations to a revived sense of unity, Amakhosi seem to be writing a new chapter, one rooted in resilience, reflection, and the hope of rediscovering who they truly are.
There is only one word to describe Kaizer Chiefs’ 24/25 season: erratic. Winning the Nedbank Cup gave fans a reason to celebrate, but the highs of last season were outweighed by the lows. Amakhosi finished ninth in the Betway Premiership, which was a disappointment for their fans. It seemed as if the team had lost the identity, momentum, and spirit that once defined them. For a club defined by its legacy, this last season was a sobering reminder that history alone does not score points. The arrival of Nasreddine Nabi last season brought cautious optimism, a promise of change, a chance to steady the ship, and the hope of bringing structure to a side desperate for direction. His arrival created grand expectations, but also thin patience. Under his brief management, the complexity of the Chiefs’ transitional era could be seen. Within this tension and the story of decline and renewal, Kaizer Chiefs’ journey this season truly begins.
This season has seen a quiet but unmistakable resurgence. As Kaizer Motaung Jr explains, the club’s renewed sense of stability has been a pivotal part of their journey. “There has been a significant increase in the quality and composition of the squad this season,” he notes, highlighting that careful recruitment, targeted investments in key positions, and greater internal positions have raised the team’s overall standard. With most of the squad continuing under the same technical staff, cohesion has replaced chaos, giving the players a sense of clarity and confidence. Their pre-season tour in Holland, against strong opposition, became a turning point for the team. This was monumental in shaping the team’s mentality and laying the foundation for a more aggressive, confident side.
Behind the scenes, Motaung Jr credits both strategic leadership and cultural transformation for the club’s improved trajectory. “The ongoing guidance provided by Executive Chairman Dr Kaizer Motaung, the Kaizer Chiefs Board, and strategic input from top-level management has continued to steer the improvement and direction the team has taken.” He adds that the introduction of ongoing, high-performance mental models implemented by Dr Henning, the High Performance Coach, has strengthened the resilience and character within the team.
The club’s decision to bring in a new Head of Recruitment, Mr Tera Meliwa, has proven to be pivotal, creating a sharper eye for talent and chemistry and forging the team’s success. The victory in the Nedbank Cup last season was not only a trophy; it was something deeper – a psychological breakthrough that restored belief across the squad. Moments like overturning a first-leg 1-0 deficit against Angola’s Kabuscorp in the Confederations Cup First Round fixture or the clean-sheet streak by goalkeeper Brendon Peterson reflect this renewed focus and grit. Debut goals from new signings such as Siphisile Ndlovu, Khanyisa Mayo, and Flavio Silva speak to the energy of a team that is finally finding their rhythm.
For Motaung Jr, the transformation goes beyond tactics and transfers; it is about rediscovering the club’s essence. “The spirit within the team has been full of confidence, focus, and one calm optimism,” he says. The Chiefs’ investments into performance technology, recruitment, and culture-building have helped them reconnect with their playing identity, the one that fans have longed to see. There is now a shared leadership within the group – a collective mindset that has replaced the frustration of past seasons with quiet determination. The Nedbank Cup success confirmed that the club’s rebuilding efforts were not in vain. It rekindled the trust between the players, management, and the loyal Amakhosi supporters whose belief has carried the team through its most difficult years.
Even with this revival, there is an honest recognition that the journey is not yet complete. Motaung Jr emphasises the need for growth in leadership development and mental resilience, especially as players face the pressures of social media and public scrutiny. He emphasises that, for himself, it has been both challenging and rewarding to be a part of this renewed vision in the team. “It has been a process of learning and unlearning old habits and ideas,” he affirms. Looking ahead, he remains optimistic, citing the club’s young talent pipeline and unwavering fan support as proof that the future looks bright. “The willingness to innovate, be self-critical, and [to] put others first has shown me that a collective dream is possible.”
However, the recent departure of Nasreddine Nabi adds a layer of uncertainty to the club’s long-term trajectory. While his time on the team was brief, Nabi’s tactical discipline and demand for intensity left a noticeable imprint on the squad’s mentality. His exit raises questions about continuity and whether the newfound cohesion can withstand another shift in leadership. But, if the structures Motaung Jr describes – shared leadership, strengthened culture, and strategic recruitment – hold steady, the team’s progress may outlast any single coach. In that sense, Nabi’s short-lived chapter could serve less as a setback and more as a catalyst for sustained evolution within the club.
Kaizer Chiefs’ current chapter feels like more than just a strong start to a new season: it is the quiet beginning of a rebirth. The club’s renewed focus on culture, leadership, and belief has reshaped the players’ mindsets and rekindled the hope of millions who wear the black and gold with pride. While challenges remain, from adapting to new leadership to sustaining consistency, there is a palpable sense that the foundations are stronger than they have been in years. What is emerging is a team grounded in shared purpose, hungry to restore its legacy, and brave enough to grow through change. If the spirit that Kaizer Motaung Jr describes continues to guide them, Kaizer Chiefs’ story this season may be remembered not just for its turnaround, but for the moment the club rediscovered its heart.
