TDPel - Media

Coach Nasreddine Nabi confirms Kaizer Chiefs are targeting Etiosa Ighodaro as striker options remain under discussion in Johannesburg

Nasreddine Nabi
Nasreddine Nabi

The new Betway Premiership season is officially here, and Kaizer Chiefs are wasting no time getting thrown into the deep end.

Their opening fixture is a tricky away clash against a confident and in-form Stellenbosch FC, a team that’s quickly gaining a reputation as a serious contender.

The match is set for Sunday, 10 August, and although Stellenbosch typically hosts games at Danie Craven Stadium, that venue is currently undergoing renovations.

So, the two sides will square off at Athlone Stadium instead, with kickoff scheduled for 17:30.


Stellenbosch Already Making Waves Before League Action

Stellenbosch FC aren’t just a solid team — they’re coming off an impressive 2023/24 season where they finished third in the league standings.

And they’ve already started the new campaign with a bang by qualifying for the MTN8 semifinals, edging past AmaZulu with a 3-2 win in the quarter-finals.

With momentum clearly on their side, Stellenbosch will be looking to pile pressure on a Chiefs side that’s still finding its rhythm under new leadership.


Coach Nabi Talks Transfers and Strikers

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi is keeping his cards close to his chest when it comes to transfers — but he has opened up about the club’s interest in Nigerian striker Etiosa Ighodaro.

“Ighodaro’s a talented player, no doubt,” said Nabi.

“But he still belongs to another team, and there are admin hurdles we have to navigate.

If it works out, fantastic — but we have other striker options lined up.”

It’s clear that the Chiefs are actively working behind the scenes to boost their attacking firepower. But for now, it’s a waiting game.


Some Young Talents Could Be on the Way Out

Behind the scenes, there’s some movement — and possibly some exits — happening among Chiefs’ promising young players.

Manqoba Ozoemena is reportedly being targeted by AmaZulu, who want to test Chiefs’ willingness to hold onto the talented playmaker.

Meanwhile, Samkelo Zwane seems close to leaving, and Mdu Shabalala is at a crossroads in his career.

Whether these players stay or move on could shape how the rest of the season unfolds for the Glamour Boys.


The Email That Got Chiefs Coaches Buzzing

In lighter news, the Chiefs coaching staff reportedly received what they’re calling the “best email of 2025” — though details remain under wraps.

Whether it’s about transfers, internal praise, or a new opportunity, fans are definitely curious.

We’ll be keeping an eye on what that might mean in the days ahead.


Upcoming Fixtures for the Month of August

Kaizer Chiefs have a packed August, with crucial league fixtures lined up throughout the month:

  • Sunday, 10 August: Stellenbosch vs Amakhosi

  • Wednesday, 13 August: Amakhosi vs Polokwane City

  • Tuesday, 19 August: Amakhosi vs Richards Bay

  • Wednesday, 27 August: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Amakhosi

  • Saturday, 30 August: Golden Arrows vs Amakhosi


Can Chiefs Start the Season with a Bang?

The big question now is whether Kaizer Chiefs can shake off the uncertainty and make a statement in their opening match.

With a new coach at the helm, transfers looming, and young stars in the spotlight, there’s plenty at stake — and fans are watching closely.