After Kaizer Chiefs wrapped up their matches in the Netherlands, Soccer Laduma takes a look at the positives and negatives they can take as they prepare to return to South Africa to kickstart their 2025/26 season.
Amakhosi registered just one victory in their five pre-season friendlies in the Netherlands and will go into the new season knowing that there are still quite a few things to work on.
READ: Sundowns Eyeing Young Striker?
THE POSITIVES
Hlongwane an option upfront?
After doing well in the DStv Diski Challenge, young striker Naledi Hlongwane has been promoted and his winning goal against PEC Zwolle will give the technical team hope that he can follow in the footsteps of Wandile Duba, who became the club's main source of goals upfront last season. Duba was Amakhosi's top scoring striker last season and Hlongwane certainly has the potential to make a name for himself in the first team.
Young players coming through
Amakhosi coach Nasreddine Nabi also has the option of playing Aden McCarthy in the left-sided centre back role, following his promising performances at the back. McCarthy made just one first team appearance last season, but he's certainly opened the door to getting more opportunities, especially with Rushwin Dortley still working his way to full fitness. Manqoba Ozoemena is another youngster who may have opened the door to getting more opportunities in the coming season, even though the Siya crew has reported interest in him from AmaZulu.
THE NEGATIVES
Defensive concerns
Defensively, Amakhosi struggled and this is something Nabi would need to work on before the new season starts. A lot of the opposition goals were scored after Chiefs' full-backs were beaten, which should be a cause for concern.
Goalkeeping issue
While on the issue of defending, Amakhosi should probably be concerned about their goalkeeping department. Brandon Petersen and Bruce Bvuma were in goal for their pre-season friendlies and, again, did not quite stamp their authority. Going into the new season, there is no telling who the number one goalkeeper will be. And with Fiacre Ntwari expected to leave, the Soweto giants probably need to go into the market to find a goalkeeper who can claim the number one jersey.
READ: Nkota's Most Popular Teammates At Ettifaq
Goal scoring remains a problem
Last season, Chiefs were not ruthless in front of goal. Now, they scored three goals in five matches, but the biggest concern for Nabi would be that they did not create too many clear-cut opportunities. January transfer window signing Tashreeq Morris continues to struggle in front of goal, while new man Flavio Silva is still finding his feet.
Scroll through the gallery to see images of Amakhosi in the Netherlands
Photos by Kaizer Chiefs on X
