Chiefs must fine-tune season readiness outside of the MTN8

KAIZER Chiefs will once again have a “grandstand view” this weekend when the Top 8 teams from the Betway Premiership compete in the MTN8.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

This is the second successive season Chiefs have missed out on the Wafa Wafa Cup after finishing ninth and tenth on the log in the last two campaigns.

But rather than getting comfortable watching other teams start their season early, Amakhosi should use this period to fine-tune their preparations.

Chiefs were praised for an improved showing at the Toyota Cup last weekend, despite losing on penalties to Asante Kotoko. However, they are still far from being a well-oiled machine.

Basic elements like on-field cohesion remain lacking - especially after the technical team opted to rotate the squad heavily during preseason friendlies.

Key players such as Siphesihle Ndlovu missed the tour of the Neth-

erlands due to a late signing and visa issues. With the departure of figures like Yusuf Maart - who was not only the club captain but a vital part of the team’s spine — new head coach Nasreddine Nabi must build a formidable core.

A solid unit is made up of players who form the team’s foundation, capable of weathering the challenges that arise during a long season.