It was a night to forget for Kaizer Chiefs as defending champions crashed out of the Nedbank Cup at the very first hurdle.
The defeat came at the hands of Stellenbosch FC, who stunned the crowd at the DHL Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Fans and pundits alike were left reeling after an early onslaught from the home side set the tone for what would become an unforgettable upset.
Early Goals Seal Chiefs’ Fate
The game swung in Stellenbosch’s favour almost immediately.
Ibraheem Jabaar converted a penalty early on, and Devin Titus added a brilliant strike within the first 25 minutes.
Chiefs managed to pull one back thanks to a penalty of their own, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
The last season had seen these teams clash at the same stage, with Chiefs winning 3-1 in a contentious quarter-final.
This time, the drama was very much on the other side.
Fans Vent Frustration on Social Media
Supporters didn’t hold back. On X (formerly Twitter), Chiefs fans poured their anger over the team’s performance, questioning coaching decisions and player form.
One user, @TheBlackPioneer, went straight for the defence:
“As long as Miguel still plays in defence, we’re going to lose a lot of games.
The guy can’t defend, can’t hold his line, makes risky passes that put the team under pressure, has zero football IQ and is just useless.”
Another fan, @mabetie9405, directed their frustration at the coaching staff:
“Our coaches underestimated Stellenbosch and we paid the price.
There was no need to change the previous starting XI in a knockout stage — one mistake and you’re out. Hopefully we learn from this going forward.”
Tactical Choices Questioned
Criticism also centred on the tactical shifts made during the match. @lucaskagiso highlighted the confusion over changes in the lineup:
“Our luck has run dry.
Even though we’ve been playing poorly and grinding out results, I don’t understand why the coaches made those changes.
Why not stick with the same players? Less said about players like Shabalala.”
The sentiment was clear: fans wanted consistency, not experimentation, especially in a knockout scenario where every decision carries weight.
What’s Next for Amakhosi
Kaizer Chiefs now face a period of reflection.
Early exits in high-profile competitions often spark debate, but the team will need to regroup quickly as the DStv Premiership and other tournaments await.
Supporters will be hoping that lessons are learned, that morale is restored, and that the team can reclaim its winning ways sooner rather than later.
One thing is certain: the Nedbank Cup exit will not be easily forgotten.
