Former Orlando Pirates star Benedict Vilakazi has offered his view on Kaizer Chiefs’ performances, saying that winning without good football does not reflect the identity of a club of Amakhosi’s size.
While Chiefs faced early exits in the Carling Knockout Cup and Nedbank Cup, the league run has silenced some critics. With eight 1-0 wins in 11 victories, Amakhosi have managed to collect points in the league and steady their 2025/26 season.
Vilakazi believes the debate around Chiefs goes deeper than the league table and CAF Confederation Cup progress, where the dream is still alive to make the quarterfinals.
For him, winning the league games is not enough for a club of this size and history, especially when their traditional identity has always been built on entertaining football.
Vilakazi explained that he understands why some coaches prioritise results, particularly when a team is rebuilding or trying to regain confidence. However, he feels Amakhosi are judged differently from most clubs because of what they represent to supporters in South Africa.
Speaking on the Tso’s Football Wisdom podcast, Vilakazi shared his thoughts on the balance between points, confidence, and the style of play expected at Naturena.
“To be really honest, sometimes there are times where points are the most important thing. To build that confidence,” Vilakazi said.
BENEDICT VILAKAZI: KAIZER CHIEFS IS A BIG BRAND
“Before you can go ask for points, some coaches believe in playing nice football first to attract supporters and create chances to score. Other coaches believe what brings fans to the stadiums is getting the points. This is what Kaizer Chiefs are doing.
“There is something that you guys are not going to like that I am going to say about Kaizer Chiefs. This is not the Kaizer Chiefs that we all know. You guys can agree with me. I am telling the truth.
“Kaizer Chiefs is a very big brand, it is a very big brand in South Africa and even on the continent. We know them as a club that plays beautiful, entertaining football. We can mention all the legends that have played for this club. They have won games and trophies playing beautiful football.
“Yes, the team is winning and eveyone is happy. But is this the Kaizer Cheifs that we all know? I doubt it. Personally, I doubt that this is the Kaizer Chiefs that we all know.
“The Kaizer Chiefs we know had the likes of Donald ‘Ace’ Khuse, Doctor Khumalo, [Nelson] Teenage Dladla, Tshepo Molatedi, the late Thabang ‘Bhanda’ Lebese, Frank Makua, Stanton Fredericks and Thabo Mooki, those were very good players and they were winning trophies.
“The coaches really have to try to add something that will make us love to watch Kaizer Chiefs. We don’t want to wait to hear the results. We want to watch. Fans love the boys. Fans love to see them on the field of play. We want to see them playing good football,” Vilakazi concluded.
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