Kaizer Chiefs 2025-26 Season Review - Third Place, No Trophies

John Eastwood

Editor

Last updated: 3 minutes ago

John Eastwood 3 minutes ago

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Chiefs finished 3rd - outperforming expectations
Brandon Petersen was the standout player, whilst two new signings excelled
Scoring more goals and a squad overhaul remain the top priorities

Brandon Petersen was Chiefs' best performer in the 2025-26 season (Getty Images).

Kaizer Chiefs 2025-26 Season Review

Did Chiefs Meet Expectations?

In reality, after finishing ninth in the 2024-25 season, a third-placed league finish was beyond expectations.
Kaizer Chiefs 2025-26 Season Review
Did Chiefs Meet Expectations?
Player of the Season
Performance of the Season
Best New Signing
Main Areas of Improvement
Upcoming Kaizer Chiefs Transfer Activity
Overall Season Summary – Kaizer Chiefs

They qualified for CAF action once again, and delivered a largely consistent season despite changing coaches after just seven league fixtures.

However, Chiefs failed to win a trophy and did not progress past the Group Stages of the CAF Confederations Cup. Those were both black marks on their season.

Player of the Season

This is a one-horse race – goalkeeper and captain, Brandon Petersen was arguably the best goalkeeper in the entire PSL. He kept a wrath of clean sheets, was a great leader and made very few mistakes.

Other players who really impressed were Lebohang Maboe in midfield and Flavio Da Silva in attack.

There are also honourable mentions for fullbacks, Thabiso Monyane and Bradley Cross. Central defender Zitha Kwinika also had a fine campaign, before an injury.

Performance of the Season

Amakhosi had some big wins against teams near the bottom of the table: 4-1 vs Magesi and 4-1 vs Orbit College, for example.

Their best display was perhaps the early-season 0-0 draw vs Mamelodi Sundowns. That was a match they dominated and should have won.

Best New Signing

This goes to Lebohang Maboe. He arrived on a free transfer from Mamelodi Sundowns and was consistently excellent in the engine room.

Thabiso Monyane was another free transfer, arriving from Orlando Pirates. He was impressive at right back. Siphesihle Ndlovu had a steady season in the engine room.

Main Areas of Improvement

Chiefs simply have to score more goals next season, although that has been the case for many years.

They also need a clearout of some underperforming players and to improve their midfield and wide areas.

Upcoming Kaizer Chiefs Transfer Activity

Amakhosi look set to sell defender Aden McCarthy, and sign Thabo Maloisane on a free transfer from Stellenbosch FC.

There could be half a dozen players who depart the club, and everyone expects at least one proven centre forward to be signed.

There is also a big call to be made over whether to turn loanee Khanyisa Mayo’s deal into a permanent contract. He scored just two goals in attack, but is a former Golden Boot winner in the PSL.

Overall Season Summary – Kaizer Chiefs

This was a good season for Chiefs in the league. They finished third and briefly looked like title contenders.

The leaky defence was a thing of the past, and they drew twice with Sundowns and had some strong displays where they deserved to win matches.

The co-coaches in Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef may have departed the club, but they enhanced their reputations and steadied the ship well.

Amakhosi also gave plenty of minutes to some exciting young players, who should improve next season. This includes Mfundo Vilakazi, Asanele Velebayi and Thulani Mabaso.