Kaizer Chiefs Eye Vela Khumalo Promotion as Technical Reshuffle Looms

• Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly considering making technical changes by promoting a youth coach to the senior coaching staff
• The move is expected to support Head Coach Nasreddine Nabi, with Khumalo’s expertise in youth development aligning with the club’s long-term vision
• Despite winning the Nedbank Cup last season, Chiefs failed to finish in the top eight, sparking calls for strategic changes

Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly planning technical changes to their coaching staff, with speculation swirling around the possible elevation of youth coach Vela Khumalo to the senior team. This move is seen as an attempt to bridge the gap between the club’s development side and the first team.

A source close to the club revealed that discussions are underway to bring Khumalo into the senior setup, where his experience in youth development would be a valuable asset to Head Coach Nasreddine Nabi.

“It’s something that’s been talked about internally. Vela is highly respected at the club and within South African football. He’s someone who knows the Chiefs culture well and has achieved a lot with national junior teams,” the source said.

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Who is Vela Khumalo?

Khumalo, known for his success with youth teams and deep understanding of talent development, is viewed as a strong fit for Nabi’s long-term vision at Naturena. His potential inclusion is expected to benefit the team by strengthening its developmental pipeline and reinforcing its local football identity.

Kaizer Chiefs endured a season of mixed fortunes in 2024/25. While the club ended a decade-long trophy drought by winning the Nedbank Cup, it failed to finish in the top eight in the league, raising concerns among supporters. However, the cup victory secured their qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup.

The appointment of Khumalo would be seen as a positive step, with many believing his knowledge of the domestic landscape and track record in developing young talent could help Chiefs rebuild strategically.

The club has not yet released an official statement regarding the rumoured changes.

Kaizer Chiefs' league chances assessed

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Kaizer Chiefs chances of winning Betway Premiership this season

In an exclusive interview with Briefly News, sports journalist Uche Anuma offered his take on Kaizer Chiefs’ prospects in the Betway Premiership this season.

"Kaizer Chiefs are one of the top teams in the Premier Soccer League, but their chances of winning the league this season are slim as they are way behind the likes of Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in terms of quality, if we are being honest," he said.

Watch the video below:

"In the last two seasons, Kaizer Chiefs have finished outside the top eight, but they changed the story in terms of trophy drought last campaign by winning the Nedbank Cup against all odds.

"I don't think they have the right squad to dominate the league, but I think they can make the top eight this season."

Anuma also commented on the club’s summer transfer activity, highlighting concerns over decision-making in the market. He noted that Kaizer Chiefs released players worth R76 million—moves that have raised eyebrows among supporters and analysts.

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Orlando Pirates throw subtle dig at Kaizer Chiefs

Briefly News previously reported that Orlando Pirates threw a subtle dig at their Soweto rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, on social media ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, which kicks off on the weekend of 9 August.

In a clip shared on the Buccaneers’ social media pages, an entourage of football clubs approaches an entrance.

Source: Briefly News