South Africa Premier League giants Kaizer Chiefs are a club at war with themselves.
A month ago, the Glamour Boys looked reborn following four straight league wins, a swagger returning to Naturena, and talk of a title challenge.
Now, after a chaotic few weeks, the battle extends beyond their opponents; uncertainty has crept into their own camp.
Cup Exit Exposes Cracks
The Carling Knockout Cup exit to Stellenbosch FC on Sunday summed up the turmoil.
The 5–4 penalty defeat, after 120 goalless minutes, wasn’t just about missed chances, it exposed deeper cracks behind the scenes.
Goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari’s refusal to be substituted before the shootout became the symbol of Chiefs’ inner tension.
The Rwandan stood firm when the bench called for Bruce Bvuma, insisting he would finish the job himself.
It was a moment that instantly drew comparisons to Kepa Arrizabalaga’s infamous defiance at Chelsea.
Caretaker coach Cedric Kaze downplayed the drama but admitted the situation needed attention.
“We’ll handle it internally,” Kaze said. “He [Ntwari] said that he feels confident to continue.
He was comfortable to go on for the penalty and help the team. He was coming from a good intention. Maybe the way he wasn’t as good as it should be, but it’s something we will address.”
Behind his composed tone lies a storm of questions about authority and direction.
From Momentum to Mayhem
Kaze stepped in after head coach Nasreddine Nabi’s suspension, alongside assistant Ben Youssef, but results have faltered.
Since taking charge, Chiefs have managed just one win.
A CAF Confederation Cup victory over Kabuscorp SCD, while drawing with Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu FC in the league.
When pressed about his future after Sunday’s defeat, Kaze didn’t flinch.
“That’s a question for the management,” he said.
“For now, we are still the coaches of Kaizer Chiefs. Until management decides otherwise, I’m sure they will communicate it when the time comes.”
Uncertainty in the Dugout
The silence from the boardroom only fuels speculation.
Fans fear another mid-season shake-up could derail the progress made under Nabi’s structure.
Inside the dressing room, confidence appears fragile, and unity which was once Chiefs’ greatest asset seems to be slipping away.
Chiefs return to action on 18 October, hosting AS Simba of DR Congo in the CAF Confederation Cup.
It’s more than just a continental tie; it’s a test of stability, leadership, and belief.
Because right now, Kaizer Chiefs’ biggest battle isn’t on the pitch, it’s within.
