Kaizer Chiefs targeting MTN8 to jump-start season

Chiefs ended the previous season in third place – their best finish since the 2019/20 season when they infamously lost the championship to Mamelodi Sundowns on the final day. 

AmaKhosi have missed out on the top eight competition for the past two seasons, and Sheppard says they want to make their presence felt upon their return.

"It's important that one competes on all fronts and that begins with the MTN8. It's a competition of four games so it affords a really good opportunity to win a trophy. The earlier you win a trophy to go with positive opening results in the league, that can really set you up for the rest of the campaign."

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Despite the much improved finish to the 2025/26 season, Sheppard is aware that the Chiefs fans still demand more. He says they have a vision to return to their glory days under the new coach to appease their supporters.

The former Bidvest Wits and Ajax Cape Town winger was last week confirmed as the second assistant to incoming coach Fernando da Cruz, and he expressed eagerness to work alongside him at Naturena.

"I'm really looking forward to working with the new coach, but also the technical team. As coaches we are always looking to learn so I'm excited for what lies ahead."

Sheppard has served in the Chiefs first team on multiple occasions under different coaches, and most recently worked with Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef. He foresees no challenges going forward as he’s familiar with the role.