Kaizer Chiefs’ 2025/26 season is heading into what could be the busiest and most defining period of their campaign—a phase that may shape everything that follows if they tick the right boxes.
After starting the season under pressure, with little room for error, the Glamour Boys closed out 2025 in a position that was not built on a ruthless run of results but was solid enough to exceed expectations and lay a foundation for the remainder of the season.
Their position is made more impressive by the fact that they had to navigate the departure of head coach Nasreddine Nabi. Despite the potential disruption his exit could have caused, Chiefs have remained steady under assistants-turned-co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef.
The pair have kept the club competitive, with Amakhosi appearing more resilient and combative than they were at the same stage last season.
The key question now is whether they can raise their level. While they currently sit fourth on the log, they have often lacked a clinical edge in putting opponents away. That issue has carried into the Caf Confederation Cup, where their group-stage campaign has yet to fully gain traction.
Consistency—a problem that plagued them last season—remains the difference between being competitive and becoming the challengers they are expected to be.
One clear advantage for Chiefs is squad freshness. With no players involved in the Africa Cup of Nations, the squad should return refreshed.
As the season enters a critical phase, Amakhosi’s next three fixtures could go a long way in defining their campaign.
Kaizer Chiefs vs Golden Arrows
This presents a difficult test for the Soweto giants. Although Chiefs come into the match off the back of a 1–0 win in the reverse fixture, Golden Arrows have often proved troublesome opponents. In the last ten meetings, Chiefs have managed just four wins, while Abafana Bes’thende have claimed six.
With only four points separating them from log leaders Orlando Pirates, Chiefs must believe they remain in the title conversation. Even if that challenge proves ambitious, sustaining such a push could keep them firmly in the hunt for a top-two or top-three finish—and another season of continental football would be invaluable in strengthening the squad.
A good result against the KwaZulu-Natal side would be crucial, as a positive restart could set the tone for the remainder of the season.
Zesco United vs Kaizer Chiefs
The Caf Confederation Cup remains a key competition for Chiefs, particularly for the experience it offers as they look to re-establish themselves among the country’s elite. After two rounds, both Chiefs and Zesco United remain winless in Group D, making this clash potentially decisive.
With just one point from two matches, Amakhosi will be desperate for a first victory, though their toughest challenge will be doing so away from home against a Zesco side also searching for their first points.
With Zesco’s mixed domestic form—currently eighth in the Zambian Super League—Chiefs will need to target this fixture to kick-start their continental campaign.
Marumo Gallants vs Kaizer Chiefs
Amakhosi will then travel to Bloemfontein to face Marumo Gallants, a side they have failed to beat in their last two meetings. Gallants have been difficult to overcome at home, and Chiefs cannot afford to drop further points.
For Kaze and Ben Youssef, turning draws into wins must be a priority. Almost half of Chiefs’ league matches this season have ended level, and against sides in the lower half of the table, greater ruthlessness will be required if they are to keep pace with the league’s strongest teams.
