Kaizer Chiefs’ pre-season trip to the Netherlands isn’t going as planned.
With high hopes and a fresh coaching setup under Nasreddine Nabi, fans were looking forward to signs of a turnaround.
Instead, the team has now lost three games in a row — the latest being a narrow 1-0 defeat to NEC Nijmegen on Saturday afternoon in Overasselt.
New Faces, Same Result
Coach Nabi rang in the changes for this third clash of the tour.
For the first time this pre-season, Zitha Kwinika, Gaston Sirino, Samkelo Zwane, George Matlou, Tashreeq Morris, and Pule Momodi all started.
While the performance showed more grit and urgency compared to the last two outings, it still wasn’t enough.
Chiefs conceded a late goal, handing the Dutch side a win.
Before this, Amakhosi had already fallen 2-1 to Vitesse and were hammered 4-0 by FC Utrecht.
Not exactly the confidence boost the squad needed.
Defensive Struggles Are Hard to Ignore
After three matches, the writing is on the wall — Chiefs’ biggest vulnerability is at the back.
Seven goals conceded in just three games makes it clear that the defensive setup needs serious tweaking.
Brandon Petersen has been the man between the posts in all three games, but the 30-year-old has looked far from solid.
With two matches left on the tour, Nabi will be urgently seeking a backline combo that works.
If not, the problems might carry right into the new season.
Where Are the Goals?
Defence isn’t the only concern. Up front, it’s been just as worrying.
Chiefs have only managed one goal in 270 minutes of football on this tour.
Striker Flavio Silva, one of the squad’s major signings, has yet to make a real impact.
His touch has been heavy, and he’s struggled to find space or rhythm.
While it’s still early days, fans are already wondering if Chiefs’ attacking woes will continue into the new campaign.
Six Weeks to Fix the Issues
The good news? Time is still on Nabi’s side.
With six weeks to go before the competitive season kicks off, there’s still a window to assess, correct, and refine.
So far, only a few players have stepped up and looked ready to fight for the badge.
But the preseason isn’t over yet. Next up, Chiefs will face PEC Zwolle on Tuesday, followed by a final test against FC Twente before heading back home.
Can Chiefs End the Tour on a High?
After three straight defeats, the pressure is mounting.
Supporters are understandably anxious, but it’s still early enough to turn things around.
Whether or not they can pick up a win in the Netherlands remains to be seen — but something’s got to give soon.
