A new coach, fresh signings and a renewed sense of belief have raised expectations that Amakhosi can finally close the gap on South Africa's leading clubs.

\Fernando da Cruz inherits a squad that showed defensive resilience last season but ultimately fell short in the race for major honours. With the new campaign about to begin, Chiefs have plenty to prove.

Here are five questions that could define their season.

Can Fernando da Cruz unlock a more potent attack?

Chiefs were among the league's strongest defensive teams last season, but their lack of goals proved costly. They finished well behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates in the scoring charts, a gap Da Cruz has already identified as his biggest priority.

The Portuguese coach wants a more fluid, collective attacking approach rather than relying on moments of individual brilliance. If his ideas take hold quickly, Chiefs could become genuine contenders. If not, familiar frustrations may resurface.

Have the new signings solved the squad's biggest weaknesses?

Every transfer window brings excitement, but success depends on how quickly new arrivals adapt to the demands of the Betway Premiership.

Chiefs have strengthened several areas of the squad, yet the real test begins once competitive football starts. Can the newcomers improve creativity, add goals and provide the consistency that has often been missing in recent seasons?

Recruitment looks promising on paper, but performances over the next few months will determine whether the club finally got its business right.

Can Chiefs mount a sustained title challenge?

Winning individual matches has rarely been the biggest issue for Chiefs. The challenge has been maintaining momentum across an entire season.

Sundowns and Pirates have set exceptionally high standards through consistency, depth and the ability to grind out results even when not at their best.

Chiefs must show they can keep pace over 30 league matches rather than producing flashes of quality followed by costly setbacks. Their title credentials will be judged as much by performances against lower-ranked teams as they will in the Soweto Derby.

Will the younger players make the next step?

Every successful Chiefs side has blended experienced campaigners with emerging talent.

The club has invested heavily in youth development in recent years, and supporters will hope several academy graduates establish themselves as regular contributors this season.

If the younger players can provide energy, competition and long-term solutions, Chiefs will be stronger both now and in the years ahead.

Can they handle the weight of expectation?

Few clubs in African football face greater scrutiny than Kaizer Chiefs.

Every result, team selection and tactical decision is analysed, while supporters expect the club to compete for every trophy available.

That pressure has weighed heavily on previous squads, particularly during difficult spells. Da Cruz's biggest challenge may not simply be improving performances, but creating a mentality capable of thriving under constant expectation.

If Chiefs can embrace that responsibility instead of fearing it, they may finally be ready to bridge the gap to South African football's elite.

The verdict

Chiefs begin the new season with genuine reasons for optimism, but optimism alone will not deliver silverware.

The answers to these five questions will shape not only their opening months but potentially the entire campaign. If Da Cruz succeeds in sharpening the attack, integrating his new signings and building consistency, Amakhosi could finally re-establish themselves as serious contenders. If not, another season of promise without reward may await.

Erick Mathoho leaves Kaizer Chiefs after eleven seasons