Kaizer Chiefs fans have been reflecting as the league continues to break for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
We’ve decided to look back at the club’s best performances from the first half of the season.
KAIZER CHIEFS VS STELLENBOSCH FC: PRESSURE, FORTUNE AND PERFECT START
Amakhosi came out for the 2025/26 season after an embarrassing ninth-place finish.
A trip to Athlone Stadium on 10 August came with serious high pressure. Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns had already won their MTN8 quarterfinals a week earlier, a competition Kaizer Chiefs didn’t even qualify for.
Additionally, the trip to Cape Town was without head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who was on compassionate leave in Tunisia due to his wife’s illness.
Add growing fan frustration over the transfer window, and there was little room for disappointment.
Stellenbosch FC, fresh off a third-place finish the previous season, dominated large spells of the match.
Also read: Kaizer Chiefs new signings mid-term report: 1
Steve Barker’s side pressed higher, moved the ball quicker, and spent long periods camped in the Kaizer Chiefs’ half. Chance after chance came and went. Somehow, the ball just refused to cross the line.
Against the run of play, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo stepped up in the 15th minute and produced a moment of pure quality. His left foot placed a peach of a free kick in the top corner.
From there, Kaizer Chiefs soaked up pressure and rode their luck.
Deep into stoppage time, with Stellenbosch throwing bodies forward, Glody Lilepo broke free and calmly made it 2-0. Game over.
Also read: Kaizer Chiefs new signings mid-term report: 2
CATALYST FOR FIVE-MATCH UNBEATEN RUN
On paper, it was a comfortable win. In reality, it was anything but. It was a dream result that pushed Kaizer Chiefs to a five-match unbeaten run.