Chiefs Late Lead Slips in Pre-Season Opener

In a silent stadium and a low-profile start to pre-season, Kaizer Chiefs still managed to find a bit of drama.

With 13 minutes to play, Etiosa Ighodaro looked to have written the first positive line of Amakhosi’s new campaign. The striker struck in the 77th minute, giving Chiefs a 1–0 lead and a glimpse of control in a match largely played away from public eyes.

They couldn’t see it out.

As the clock ticked towards full-time, Chiefs lost their grip. In the 89th minute, Findlay Curtis punished a lapse, beating new signing Renaldo Leaner with a dipping effort that arced towards the far post and dropped in. From advantage to frustration in a heartbeat.

Leaner was one of several fresh faces given minutes as Chiefs used the friendly to stretch legs and test combinations. Brandon Petersen wore the armband and started in goal, with a back line of Monyane, Mako, Miguel, Msimango and Ndlovu in front of him. Maboe, Baartman, Vilakazi, Chislett and Silva completed the starting XI, offering a first glimpse of the structure the technical team is building.

The second half turned into a rolling showcase. Leaner came on to take over in goal, while Pule Mmodi, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Zitha Kwinika, Asanele Velebayi, Reeve Frosler and Kabelo Nkgwesa all got a run-out. For a pre-season outing, the pattern was familiar: heavy rotation, mixed rhythm, and just enough intensity to expose both promise and rust.

The late equaliser will sting, even in July. Coaches remember how games finish.

There is no time to dwell. Chiefs are back in action on 15 July against Al Kholood, who ended last season 14th in the Saudi Pro League. Three days later, the level rises again with a meeting against Elche CF on 18 July, the Spanish side having survived in LaLiga by a single point.

Behind closed doors or not, these are the days when a season’s character starts to form.