Kaizer Chiefs have officially commenced their pre-season preparations for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign, with a noticeable new face joining the squad at their training base in Naturena on Friday.
Amakhosi returned from their off-season break on Friday, June 20, getting ready to continue the building process under the guidance of head coach Nasreddine Nabi.
The Tunisia mentor is expected to lead Chiefs for another season following widespread rumours about a possible exit after an inconsistent run of form in the previous Betway Premiership season.
Nabi took the reins at the Soweto giants in July 2024, joining the club on a two-year deal with an option for a further year’s extension after his departure from Moroccan side AS FAR. In his first season at Chiefs, the highly-rated coach managed to end the club’s 10-year trophy drought after winning the Nedbank Cup.
Chiefs defeated crosstown rivals Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final last month at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
In contrast, the Glamour Boys struggled to impose themselves in the league, ending the season outside of the top eight for the second campaign in a row.
WHO IS THE NEW FACE IN THE KAIZER CHIEFS SQUAD?
With Chiefs aiming for a better showing in the new season, they welcomed Kabelo Nkgwesa, a talented left-back from the club’s DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] side.
The promising youngster was one of the key players for Chiefs’ reserves as they won their first-ever DDC title last season. Nkgwesa was solid at the back when Chiefs clinched the league with a record 70 points after winning 22 matches, drawing four, and suffering defeat only twice in 28 games.
After an impressive season, Nkgwesa won the Most Improved Player award and the prestigious Player of the Season accolade at the DDC Chiefs’ award ceremony.
While there’s been no official confirmation from the club, all signs point to the left-back joining Nasreddine Nabi’s side next season. This move comes as Edmilson Dove recently exited, creating an open spot on the left flank.
Meanwhile, Chiefs also signed Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane on a free transfer after leaving Pirates a few weeks ago. The two wing-backs left the Buccaneers after the club decided against offering them new contracts going into the new campaign.
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