Kaizer Chiefs 2022-23 Season Review - Twelve defeats and no trophies

Before the 2022-23 got underway, Kaizer Chiefs were expected to push for a top three finish. They fell below expectations by finishing outside the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederations spots.

In the cup competitions, they won no silverware and extended their trophy drought to eight years. Arthur Zwane was expected to end the long wait for a trophy. Overall, Chiefs fell below expectations this season. 

Not that many Kaizer Chiefs players had top seasons. The best performer was arguably Ashley Du Preez, who scored nine goals from either a winger or centre forward role. 

Other players who had strong seasons were central midfielder Yusuf Maart and attacking midfielder Keagan Dolly. The latter created the most chances in the entire Premier Soccer League. 

The best display from Chiefs was arguably the 3-0 home win vs Maritzburg United in August 2022. 

A 3-1 win at Stellenbosch FC in October saw the biggest Expected Goals Difference. Chiefs produced 3.70 xG to 1.06 xG for their opponents.

Chiefs had a busy transfer window prior to the 2022-23 season. Ashley Du Preez (forward) and Yusuf Maart (midfielder) were successful signings. Central defender Edmilson Dove and winger Christian Saile were relatively good additions.

Centre back Zitha Kwinika was the most disappointing signing whilst George Matlou and Kamohelo Mahlatsi barely played.

Amakhosi lost a record 12 matches despite enjoying a number of opposition red cards and penalties. They were too easy to beat and conceded 33 goals. Only six PSL teams conceded more goals during the season.

Going forward, Chiefs scored a paltry 32 goals with Caleb-Bonfils Bimenyimana finishing as the top league scorer with seven strikes. Four of the striker’s goals came from the penalty spot. They produced 49 Expected Goals so underperformed heavily at finishing chances.

Kaizer Chiefs have already agreed three transfers. Central defenders Thatayaone Ditlhokwe and Given Msimango will arrive from SuperSport United and TS Galaxy respectively. 

Attacking midfielder Mduduzi Mdantsane has been signed from Cape Town City. Other areas where they could strengthen are goalkeeper, defensive midfielder and centre forward.

Some of the players who could depart are Erick Mathoho and Austin Dube in defence and Phathu Nange in midfield. There are doubts over the futures of veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and forward Khama Billiat due to their contracts coming to an end.

It was a poor season for Kaizer Chiefs as they got worse from the year before. They won no trophies, leaked lots of goals and were very wasteful in front of goal. Next season, they have to be harder to beat and stronger on set pieces. 

Coach Arthur Zwane will hope for his two new defensive recruits to improve their Goals Conceded column. Chiefs’ recruitment team will be on the lookout for a top goalscorer who can hit double figures for Open Play Goals in the 2023-24 Season.