Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has expressed disappointment with his team’s reaction to conceding a 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 trend 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. 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.
RELATED STORY: Nasreddine Nabi suffers first defeat in Sundowns’ hands
