Kaizer Chiefs must fine-tune season preparations after missing out on the MTN8

Kaizer Chiefs will once again have a ‘grandstand view’ this weekend when the Top 8 teams from the Betway Premiership compete in the MTN8.

This is the second successive season Chiefs have missed out on the Wafa Wafa Cup after finishing ninth and tenth on the log in the last two campaigns. But rather than getting comfortable watching other teams start their season early, Amakhosi should use this period to fine-tune their preparations.

Chiefs were praised for an improved showing at the Toyota Cup last weekend, despite losing on penalties to Asante Kotoko. However, they are still far from being a well-oiled machine.

Basic elements like on-field cohesion remain lacking — especially after the technical team opted to rotate the squad heavily during pre-season friendlies.

Key players such as Siphesihle Ndlovu missed the tour of the Netherlands due to a late signing and visa issues. With the departure of figures like Yusuf Maart — who was not only the club captain but a vital part of the team’s spine — new head coach Nasreddine Nabi must build a formidable core.

A solid unit is made up of players who form the team’s foundation, capable of weathering the challenges that arise during a long season.

Arranging further friendly matches may be difficult, as most PSL teams are finalising their own preparations. As such, the technical team must be shrewd in planning the final phase of pre-season.

In-house training matches seem the most likely option for coach Nabi to assess and solidify his starting line-up. But more will be needed.

It will take more than closed-door sessions to reignite the hunger and spark needed for Chiefs to return to their former glory.

Every player needs to be honest with themselves and determined to play a key role in restoring the club to the pinnacle of South African football.

Nkosingiphile Ngcobo received high praise from fans after his Toyota Cup display, following a tough period of poor form and injury. However, he cannot afford to become complacent. He must aim to improve with every training session before the season begins.

Stepping out of the spotlight to work on weaknesses has often benefitted players and professionals across fields. Chiefs now have the ideal opportunity to do just that.

The world-class facilities at Taung Village offer a quiet, focused environment in which to complete preparations before they face Stellenbosch on Saturday in their league opener.

So, although Chiefs have no competitive matches lined up before kick-off, the MTN8 absence might turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

Yes, missing the competition could prove costly in terms of silverware — along with the R10 million prize money — but the tournament hasn’t always lived up to its billing.

Regarded as the season’s curtain-raiser, the MTN8 is expected to set the tone. However, even recent winners like arch-rivals Orlando Pirates have failed to build on that momentum, finishing behind Mamelodi Sundowns in the league in the last three seasons.

Pirates’ runners-up finish might be commendable to some, but the ultimate achievement in domestic football remains topping the league standings.

The Sea Robbers’ form tends to falter in the latter stages of the campaign—possibly due to the early intensity of chasing the MTN8 title.

Finding the balance between multiple competitions and consistent league form remains a challenge. Sundowns’ dominance, winning the league in the past two seasons, is evidence of their superior management of that balance.

Chiefs’ recent league performances remain a concern—particularly when compared to their fiercest rivals.

But instead of lamenting their MTN8 absence or enjoying the time off, Amakhosi must sharpen their focus and make these final days of pre-season count.