Kaizer Chiefs may still have silverware within reach, but their defensive cracks are showing at the worst possible time.
Two Soweto Derbies in One Week
Chiefs will face fierce rivals Orlando Pirates twice in the span of a week — first in the Betway Premiership on Saturday, 3 May, and then in the Nedbank Cup final on 10 May. Both fixtures kick off at 15:00, and with form and pride on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
But Amakhosi have a growing concern at the back.
Makeshift Defence Exposed
In their recent 2-1 defeat to Marumo Gallants, coach Nasreddine Nabi was forced to deploy a makeshift backline. With Given Msimango, Rushwin Dortley, and Inacio Miguel all sidelined, Nabi turned to Zitha Kwinika and Bradley Cross in central defence. Flanking them were Dillan Solomons and Happy Mashiane — a combination that left much to be desired defensively.
Add to that the continued absence of versatile defender Edmilson Dove, and Chiefs are staring at a full-blown defensive crisis just before their biggest matches of the season.
The Starting XI vs Gallants:
Bvuma; Solomons, Kwinika, Cross, Mashiane; Maart, Cele; Du Preez, Shabalala, Lilepo; Duba
From Buccaneer Fan to Amakhosi Star
One of the most exciting players this season, Mduduzi Shabalala, has revealed he once supported Orlando Pirates — but insists his heart now beats for Kaizer Chiefs. “I will die a Chiefs fan,” the 21-year-old said.
Shabalala has become a key figure this season, with 25 league appearances, four goals, and an assist — a standout performer in an otherwise inconsistent campaign.
Ntwari Impresses Abroad Amid Club Uncertainty
Elsewhere, Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari is making waves with the Rwandan national team despite struggling for game time at club level. French interest has emerged, confirmed by Rwanda’s national team boss Adel Amrouche.
Signed from TS Galaxy in July 2024, Ntwari made a promising start but has since slipped down the pecking order due to untimely injuries, managing only seven appearances this season.
