Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral has identified the key area where he believes the Betway Premiership giants have made significant improvements in the early stages of the new season.
Amakhosi have been riding high since the 2025/26 season started, having recorded four wins out of the five matches played so far. They drew once.
Plausibly, they are the only team yet to concede a goal, with Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen keeping five clean sheets. They beat Stellenbosch FC, Polokwane City FC, Richards Bay FC and Golden Arrows, in that order. Only Mamelodi Sundowns escaped their wrath, forcing a 0-0 draw.
At this point last season, the Nasreddine Nabi-coached side had conceded seven goals. They had recorded wins of 2-1 and 3-1 over Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu FC, respectively. But they lost 2-1 to Sundowns, before SuperSport United [now Siwelele FC] beat them 1-0. That was followed by a 2-2 stalemate with Magesi FC.
However, their start to the 2025/26 campaign has clearly shown noticeable improvements in team performance, as they have demonstrated more zeal and determination, with minimal chaotic moments.
WHAT COACH MUHSIN ERTUGRAL SAID ABOUT KAIZER CHIEFS
And their former coach, Ertugral, reckons that the team’s structure and the players’ confidence have changed significantly. In an interview with FARPost, the Turkish mentor said Chiefs’ defence structure has been the pinnacle of their success so far.
Obviously, the structure of Kaizer Chiefs was always vulnerable in defensive transition. However, this season, they have not conceded yet. That’s a big improvement,” Ertugral told FARPost.
“The confidence is getting higher, and it’s good that the players believe in helping each other. That’s a very important factor for me, you can plan as coaches, analyse and train tactical concepts without much fear.
“But the game has a chaotic nature, and there are many aspects that we all want to foresee. Firstly, players need to react on the field and make decisions. I think this season, there is a very good chance for the players to always make good decisions throughout.
“I think they learned from the mistakes. The pre-season was a major success. They had quality opponents, and they built on that momentum. They took it into the season. However, there are many grey zones that can only be seen as the competition goes on.”
Nabi’s squad has been strengthened, but it is in attack that they hope to feel the benefits throughout the season. The Soweto giants made significant additions, including Ethan Chislett, Paseka Mako, Thabiso Monyane, Nkanyiso Shinga, and Etiosa Ighodaro. They also acquired the services of Asanele Velebayi, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Lebogang Maboe and Luke Baartman.
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