The fact that Kaizer Chiefs had the third-joint worst defence in the Betway Premiership last season has raised some serious questions.

Chiefs conceded 32 goals, the same as Golden Arrows and only less than Marumo Gallants (39) and AmaZulu (34) in 28 games.

In attack, they scored 25, making theirs the eighth-best attack, as they finished outside the top eight in ninth spot.

Chiefs’ saving grace was their Nedbank Cup triumph, and all eyes will be on Nasreddine Nabi’s men to see if they can fare better in the 2025/26 campaign.

Petersen is looking forward to a great season for the Glamour Boys.

“It’s pre-season, and that’s when we lay all the foundation,” said Petersen from the Netherlands, where Chiefs are camping from 3 to 19 July.

“We sweat now and suffer now so we can shine later, you know. The coaches are busy taking us through our paces, pushing us to our limit, pushing the body to the maximum,” he commented.

“We have a big season ahead, playing in the (CAF) Confederation Cup as well and all of that. I think it’s very important what we do now as a team, not just physically but to get that togetherness and brotherhood. There are new players that came in, so I think the most important thing is to welcome them.

“We have to gel as soon as possible, to become one unit, so when the league starts, they see us as one unit, one force, and we can hit the ground running,” added Petersen.

The Premier Soccer League season kicks off with the MTN8 on 1 August, but Chiefs will only be involved in the Betway Premiership from 8 August.