Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo has picked three important elements from Nasreddine Nabi’s first official game for Amakhosi.
Nabi started his Chiefs tenure with a 2-1 win away from home against Marumo Gallants in a Betway Premiership tie in Bloemfontein last Saturday.
The Soweto giants had to come back from a goal down, winning the game courtesy of goals by academy graduates Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi.
With Chiefs starting the new season with a win, legendary Khumalo has pointed out three changes he feels Chiefs’ new mentor has made so far.
ORGANISATION AND STRUCTURE
The 1996 AFCON winner with Bafana Bafana believes his former club played with a bit of structure and were more organised than they were last season. “For now, we can’t say much about one game,” Khumalo told FARPost.
“There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. There’s so much change. When you look at the Toyota Cup and Gallants, there’s a vast improvement.”
A BIT OF CHARACTER
Khumalo believes Nabi’s charges showed a bit of character in the game against Gallants. Chiefs conceded a goal early in the first-half, but drew level via a Shabalala strike. Vilakazi’s well-taken finish handed them maximum points.
The former Young Africans mentor praised his squad’s attitude, noting that It was one of many positives as Chiefs begin their journey to reclaim former glory.
“It’s good we won the first game for the morale of the players and the fans, but for me, I see things differently from the fans and media,” he said.
“I know there is a lot of work to do here, but for now, I congratulate my players on their good attitude and the win.
“I’m not entirely happy with everything. The best thing from today’s game is the three points, the spirit, and the winning attitude.”
CALCULATED INTRODUCTION OF YOUNGSTERS
“Organisation, character and the introduction of youngsters,” added Khumalo. “He’s very calculative in his introduction of young players. Mduduzi Shabalala has been scoring during friendly matches. I’m not taking anything away from previous coaches, but the protection of the young players is key.”
Interestingly, none of the four Chiefs academy graduates who played a part against Gallants played a full game. Shabalala and Zwane started the game and were later substituted. Wandile Duba, provider of the second goal, and Vilakazi both came on late in the game.
“If you remember the interview [Mduduzi] Shabalala did when he was asked what was making Relebohile Mofokeng shine. He said the difference was that Chiefs weren’t getting results; there was so much pressure on the young players at Chiefs. “That was a loaded statement. With the introduction of youngsters, you can see Nab is protecting them.”
Meanwhile, Khumalo warns that the rebuilding is “not going to be easy”. “This is a game of football, and there are three possible outcomes: a win, a loss, or a draw.
How will the club’s followers react when it’s a loss? People should look at the finer details.”
He is convinced the former AS FAR Rabat coach is “on the right track”. ‘Mdokisi’ used Sundowns as an example, saying it can take up to five years to rebuild a formidable squad.
“Building a team can take five years. Sundowns started to develop their team very slowly.”
Amakhosi play AmaZulu FC in their next fixture in the league on 25 September 2024 at the Moses Mabhida in Durban.
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