Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has expressed disappointment with his team’s reaction to conceding the second goal against Mamelodi Sundowns in their Betway Premiership clash. The 2-1 defeat at FNB Stadium marked Nabi’s first loss as Amakhosi coach, and he was quick to identify a concerning trait within his squad.
Ranga Chivaviro opened the scoresheet early in the first half before Lucas Ribeiro Costa equalised. Iqraam Rayners put Masandawana in the lead. The Tunisian mentor noted that his players did not show enough fight after the second goal.
Sundowns dominated the remainder of the first half. “I saw heads dropping when Sundowns scored the second goal. I do not like that. This is Kaizer Chiefs,” Nabi stated emphatically. The former Young Africans coach expects a higher level of mental resilience from his players, demanding “personality and character” on the pitch.
Nabi’s frustration stemmed from witnessing a lack of fighting spirit within his team after going down by two goals. He believes this reaction could be a lingering “demon” from last season, a period marked by inconsistency and underperformance for the Soweto giants. Amakhosi failed to finish in the top eight last season, ending the season in 10th place.
“Maybe it was the demons of last season but I do not want that,” he said via his translator. Amakhosi had a more positive second half, creating a couple of scoring chances. The result means they have collected six points out of nine in Nabi’s opening three matches.
NABI SOUNDS WARNING TO CHIEFS PLAYERS
Even though the 5-1 scoreline from last season wasn’t repeated, Nabi believes some players aren’t adapting to his style of play. He has a clear vision for the Soweto giants, and players who don’t align with it won’t be part of his plans.
”I don’t change because I am the first to step in the strategy. I had to step up because I dislike losing. Maybe we played better than last season, but this is Kaizer Chiefs, we don’t accept to lose like that. If you don’t know what Kaizer Chiefs is, sorry you don’t have a place here,” added Nabi.
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