Kaizer Chiefs bowed out of the MTN8 after suffering a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium on Sunday evening.
Khulekani Shezi scored the decisive goal in the second half to send Abafana Besthende into the next round and leave Amakhosi facing an early setback this season.
Chiefs started the match on the front foot and created several promising opportunities in the opening 45 minutes. Lebohang Maboe and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo both missed good chances to put the hosts ahead, while Brandon Petersen was forced into just one important save in the first half.
However, the Glamour Boys were made to pay for their missed opportunities after the break.
Chiefs out of the MTN8
Shezi broke the deadlock with a cross that appeared to catch Petersen off guard, with the Chiefs goalkeeper misjudging the delivery as it found its way into the back of the net.
Chiefs pushed forward in search of an equaliser and mounted a late surge, but Golden Arrows remained resolute at the back to secure a famous victory and eliminate Amakhosi from the MTN8.
The defeat has already sparked frustration among Chiefs supporters, with many questioning head coach Fernando Da Cruz and whether the squad is capable of challenging for silverware this season.
Chiefs fans react after MTN8 exit
One supporter, @Vhakhonimajor, fears another difficult campaign could be ahead.
“It is going to be another long season for us. I honestly don’t see any of our current players reaching 10+ goals this campaign, and that is a major concern. We need someone who can consistently find the back of the net,” the fan wrote.
Another supporter, @mabetie9405, criticised the club’s recruitment and investment in the squad.
“You can’t cheat football. This Kaizer Chiefs management is simply too stingy, yet they expect miracles to happen. It’s going to be a long season for us, Khosi. Every season, we’re subjected to the same nonsense — no proper investment, no quality reinforcements, and somehow we’re still expected to compete,” the supporter wrote.
With their MTN8 campaign already over, the pressure will now be on Chiefs coach Da Cruz and his players to respond quickly and convince a frustrated fanbase that this season can be different.