Kaizer Chiefs striker Ranga Chivaviro has shared details of his recent conversations with new coach Nasreddine Nabi, which have filled him with hope for a successful 2024/25 season.
It is evident that Chivaviro enters his second season at Chiefs with renewed optimism.
The 2024/25 Betway Premiership campaign kicks off on Saturday, September 14th, and Chivaviro is eager to make a bigger impact than last season.
The Glamour Boys will face Marumo Gallants, Chivaviro’s former team, at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein in their opening match of the new campaign.
Chivaviro’s debut season at Chiefs was marred by injury setbacks and the team’s inconsistency. Despite appearing in 23 matches across all competitions, he struggled to find his rhythm, scoring four goals and providing one assist.
However, with a fresh start under new Chiefs coach Nabi, Chivaviro is determined to make a significant contribution to Chiefs’ success this season.
WHAT RANGA CHIVAVIRO AND NASREDDINE NABI TALKED ABOUT
The 31-year-old striker said Nabi reminded him of his stellar form at Marumo Gallants, particularly during the 2022/23 CAF Confederation Cup.
Chivaviro netted seven goals in 10 Confed Cup matches and 17 in all competitions that season. Nabi is keen for Chivaviro to rediscover his goal-scoring touch at Chiefs.
Gallants ended their campaign in the semi-finals. They suffered a 4-1 defeat on aggregate against Tanzanian giants Young Africans, who were coached by Nabi at the time. Chivaviro was on target for Bahlabane Ba Ntwa.
“I think one of the first conversations we had, me and him [Nabi], was he reminded me of what I was doing [at Marumo Gallants]. Who I was and who he wants to see me as this season,” said Chivaviro.
“We’ve had that conversation, and it’s been productive. We are hoping that this season we bring that Ranga who was scoring goals regularly. We touched a lot on this and that. But he’s more of someone who wants to understand what’s going on with your life and all of that.”
Chivaviro added: “I want to resurrect that form [at Gallants], and hopefully it’s not just me, but all the guys,” Chivaviro said on Wednesday.
“He’s[Nabi] trying to instil what he wants and expects from us and what comes with being a Kaizer Chiefs player. I think everyone has raised their standards, and we just can’t wait for the season to begin.
“I think it’s more of a collective, whether we are defending or attacking. We should always try to involve not just me as a striker, but all the strikers.”
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