For all the work that Kaizer Chiefs did in Turkey behind closed doors, Sunday's defeat to Young Africans in the Toyota Cup provided an element of measurement about their squad.
That Nasreddine Nabi has taken over a team low on confidence is without doubt considering the appalling lows that they sank to under Cavin Johnson last season.
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Beyond that, the club now has a squad pregnant with players that have never won silverware with the Soweto giants following the departure of the last survivor – Itumeleng Khune.
This means Chiefs has a group of players that still need to learn the art of consistently winning games together like what Mamelodi Sundowns now have as the chorus that they sing regularly at Chloorkop.
Nabi must roll his sleeves more often than he has ever done in any of his previous jobs.
The naked eye can see that the weight of the work is heavier for the Tunisian-Belgian who has taken over Chiefs at their lowest ever based on how long they have gone without silverware.
The only department that appears settled and sealed for reinforcements on the market is goalkeeping following the arrival of Burundian international Fiacre Ntwari to compete with Brandon Petersen, Bruce Bvuma and Bontle Molefe.
Options at right back are led by Reeve Frosler with Zitha Kwinika and the injured Dillan Solomons in contention, which suggests no need to beef up.
At left-back, Nkosana Mbuthu found himself jumping the queue on Sunday following injuries to Edmilson Dove and Bongani Sam, but Rushwin Dortley can and should slot in once settled with Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Frosler, and Happy Mashiane the other options should the situation stretch that far.
The centre-back pairing of Given Msimango and Ditlhokwe should be first choice with Dortley, Dove and Kwinika all capable options along with Aiden McCarthy and Thabo Mokoena.
Strong enough central defence?
Only time will tell.
The midfield choices for Nabi are Yusuf Maart, Samkelo Zwane, Edson Castillo, Pule Mmodi, Mduduzi Shabalala, Mduduzi Mdantsane, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Mfundo Vilakazi, Sabelo Radebe, Donnay Jansen, Lehlogonolo Matlou, Tebogo Potsane and Sibongiseni Mthethwa.
How Nabi wants to set up his team will determine how many players will form his midfield shape, which has a lot of players yet to justify their presence at Chiefs.
An area of concern is up front where Ranga Chivaviro, Ashley Du Preez, Wandile Duba and Christian Saile Basomboli have the responsibility of delivering goals.
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It is no secret that Amakhosi need another established number nine option.
Fortunate for Nabi is that he will only be put to test in official games from September 14 when Chiefs get their Betway Premiership campaign underway.