KAIZER Chiefs midfielders Thabo Cele and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo compete with Emmanuel Antwi of Asante Kotoko during 2025 Toyota Cup match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. When Ngcobo was playing in the youth structures, he was tipped to be the next Amakhosi big star but has failed to reach the next level.
Image: BackpagePix
When Kaizer Chiefs started the year on a high, winning games across all competitions and keeping clean sheets, they were expected to carry that momentum and consistency until the end of the season.
But alas, Chiefs have fallen from grace. They are enduring a four-game losing streak, resulting in them missing out on the CAF Confederation Cup and falling behind in the Betway Premiership title race. That’s why, below, we look at the players who have dropped the ball in the team.
Mduduzi Shabalala – Attacker
After earning his 100th cap for the club, Shabalala was expected to improve his match contributions with goals and assists. But that has not been the case; instead, he has delivered below-par performances.
His poor final decision-making and lack of precision resulted in massive criticism from the fans, who feel he has not improved much since his promotion a few seasons ago.
Bruce Bvuma — Goalkeeper
Bvuma made his first appearance of the season in the Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates. He got a harsh welcome, conceding three goals in a 3-0 loss that saw Chiefs surrender all three points and the country's bragging rights.
Bvuma, who is stepping in for the sidelined Brandon Petersen, conceded yet again when Chiefs lost 1-0 to Richards Bay on Tuesday night. He has shown his rustiness with an inability to command his defence, both in open play and from set-pieces.
Mfundo Vilakazi – Attacker
A fan-favourite at Chiefs, Vilakazi has done little to entertain the fans in the last few matches. If he was not sidelined due to an injury, he was brought on as a substitute, failing to make a noticeable impact.
Vilakazi still needs to work on his finishing, as he gets into the right channels but is only let down by his final product in front of goal.
Gaston Sirino – Attacker
Sirino is one of the most experienced players in the team. But that has not been noticeable as he spends most of his time either on the bench or in the stands.
With his contract coming to an end in June, Chiefs are unlikely to renew it. He has not lived up to expectations since arriving from Mamelodi Sundowns, especially when the team needed someone with "Big Match Temperament" (BMT) and experience to handle big occasions.
Nkosingiphile Ngcobo – Midfielder
When Ngcobo was playing in the youth structures, he was tipped to be the next Amakhosi big star. But that has not been the case, due to niggling injuries, poor form, and inconsistency.
He has been getting game-time in the last few matches, including starting in the Soweto derby, but the diminutive midfielder has not grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He is either sluggish or ineffective with his passes.
*Mihlali Baleka is Independent Media's senior football reporter and a panelist on the group's soccer podcast, The D-Line, which is exclusive on our YouTube channel The Clutch