Kaizer Chiefs lost their first pre-season friendly against Eerste Divisie side SBV Vitesse 2-1, with the Dutch side coming from behind to beat Amakhosi.
Nasreddine Nabi surprised many with his first starting XI for the 2025/26 season, with no out and out left-back selected and Reeve Frosler instead starting on the left.
Inacio Miguel, who captained the side in the absence of Yusuf Maart, featured alongside Aden McCarthy at the centre of defence, while Thabiso Monyane started on the left.
In midfield, Nabi selected Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Thabo Cele and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, while Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi were selected on the wings, with Flavio Da Silva starting upfront.
Chiefs had the first real chance after 21 minutes when Mduduzi Shabalala’s shot was parried against the post by the Vitesse goalkeeper.
Vitesse had the best chance in the 25th minute when a cross from the right flank was just missed by their striker in the five-yard box.
Chiefs eventually found the opener in the 37th minute when Reeve Frosler scored a screamer from 25 yards out.
Nabi rang the changes at half-time, with Nkanyiso Shinga, Bradley Cross, Zitha Kwinika and Reeve Frosler forming the new defence ahead of Bruce Bvuma, shielded by George Matlou and Samkelo Zwane, while Ethan Chislett, Gaston Sirino, Ashley Du Preez and Tashreeq Morris formed the attack.
The home side drew level when substitute Dillon Solomons deflected a cross into his own net.
Morris had a great chance to regain the lead for Amakhosi after being superbly set up by Chislett but his shot from close range flew over the bar.
Chiefs again had a chance to score five minutes later but a cross by Sirino was missed by Morris’ last-ditch tackle at the far post.
Instead it was Vitesse who found the second goal after Chiefs failed to clear a long throw-in in the 74th minute.
In the end, the Eerste Divisie side managed to beat Amakhosi on their home turf, but a more clinical Chiefs could’ve collected a different outcome.
