Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has opened up on their defensive improvements and hailed the club’s recent transfer business saying the youthful additions means they won’t have to spend over the odds in future.
Chiefs, who finished in ninth place in the league last season, are second, level on 10 points with Sekhukhune United after four games, and two points ahead of champions Mamelodi Sundowns and fourth placed Durban City – the only unbeaten sides remaining.
However, their major standout this season, has not been conceding a goal, with Brandon Petersen and his defence having four clean sheets, added to the impressive displays of full-backs Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako, who joined the club as free agents after their exits from fierce rivals, Orlando Pirates in the off-season.
“The players that we have brought, firstly in the season, we have worked a lot on our defensive structure, not only the defenders but the whole team to defend together, to play together and as well,” Nabi said.
“When you speak about Monyane and Mako… Mako is a left-back, and remember last season, we didn’t have a specialist, Cross, TT and Dove were centre-backs, now we can say we have a specialised in that position. Not forgetting about Reeve, who is a very good player and will get the chance to play.”
Nabi went on to address the young talent that was lured to the club, with Monyane, Nkanyiso Shinga, Luke Baartman, Asanele Velebayi, Etiosa Ighodaro and Ethan Chislett all 26 and younger, while Mako (31) Lebo Maboe (30), Flavio Silva (29) and Siphesihle Ndlovu (28) adds experience and depth to the squad set to return to CAF inter-club football this season.
“The new players we have brought, it’s for the moment and the future, we’ve got some younger players, to not have to make bigger investments in the future. We believe that the team will be better this season.”
Chiefs will now travel to Kwa-Zulu Natal to face Golden Arrows, who are in fifth place with seven points, after two wins, one draw and defeat to start the 2025/26 season.
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