Smiso Msomi
The ambitious reinvention of Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs, stands as one of the most significant football projects on the African continent, especially as the club grapples with nearly a decade of disappointment. Once the proud owners of an illustrious trophy cabinet, the club is increasingly feeling the weight of its historical legacy amid a lengthy dry spell.
As the most successful team in South African football history, the Chiefs are yearning for silverware to validate their esteemed status. However, the glamour of past victories fades with each passing year devoid of new achievements. The challenge is not unique to them. Global football has countless examples of clubs facing such tribulations. Liverpool, for instance, experienced a 30-year wait without a league title, while Manchester City endured a torturous 75-year gap before basking in league glory once more.
In the wake of this turbulence, Chiefs now face a crossroads — should they follow the example set by clubs like Manchester City and Mamelodi Sundowns, who have invested heavily in both players and coaching staff, or can new head coach Nasreddine Nabi replicate Jurgen Klopp's transformative success at Liverpool?
Nabi, a Tunisian-born coach who took the helm at Chiefs, has expressed an unwavering desire to recruit top-tier talent, acknowledging that such acquisitions are pivotal to reclaiming the club's dominance on the domestic front. Yet, with significant investments often comes diminished control over team culture, a trade-off that Chiefs may have to ponder carefully as Nabi aims to instil a new mentality and achievement-oriented mindset within the squad.
Already, signs of change are visible in Chiefs' early season performances.
Nabi has embraced a youthful approach, integrating academy graduates like Mduduzi Vilakazi, Wandile Duba, and the promising Mfundo ‘Obrigado’ Vilakazi into the first-team setup more than previous coaches have dared. However, while Nabi's recruitment strategy shows promise, the tough reality is that major improvements will also need to be made on the pitch — not just in the boardroom.
Fans have welcomed the increased commitment to attacking football, which has imbued the stands with much-needed positivity. However, the stark limitations of the current squad remain glaringly apparent.
With just one clean sheet in 11 matches across all competitions, defensive frailties persist as a major concern for Nabi’s side. Additionally, the midfield has struggled to assert itself, with criticism particularly aimed at captain Yusuf Maart, whose leadership has been under the microscope alongside his enforcers, who have failed to consistently deliver impactful performances.
As Chiefs approach the resumption of competitive action following a month without Carling Knockout Cup matches, there is hope that the international break has provided an opportunity for reflection and growth. The upcoming clash against Richards Bay next week Wednesday will offer a crucial moment for the club to assess their progress as they aim to establish better control and restore their standing in South African football.