Nabi on Naledi Hlongwane, 3 DDC stars to get Chiefs senior team call-up

Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has shared his thoughts on the reserves side’s youngster Naledi Hlongwane, while also revealing that three DDC players will be training with the senior team.

The Tunisian tactician was speaking after Amakhosi defeated Chippa United 1-0 in the Betway Premiership clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday evening.

He was asked about the DStv Diski Challenge star Hlongwane who scored a brace for the Carling All-Stars team in the Carling Black Label Cup against Magesi FC last week.

Nabi cautioned against rushing the 19-year-old striker, emphasising that the performance in the “friendly match” should not be overstated. He stressed the importance of a gradual development path for the youngster.

Despite this, Nabi revealed that Hlongwane, along with other DStv Diski Challenge players, will be invited to train with the senior squad.

The players will be assessed by the technical team, and the one who impresses will be integrated into the first-team setup.

WHAT NABI SAID ABOUT DDC STAR NALEDI HLONGWANE

“In our project, there’s a very good collaboration within the club, especially with the coach of the younger teams, the U23,” said Nabi.

“It’s a process and we get reports every week, every two weeks about the players that can come train with the first team.

“That’s why after the new year there are going to be three players that will be joining the first team to train with them.

“But it’s not something that started because Hlongwane has scored two goals.

“It’s been a process and we want to go through the process not to get emotional because someone scored two goals in a friendly game and then suddenly he can play in a big club like Kaizer Chiefs.

“It’s a process and within those three that will be invited, the one who is going to perform is going to be given a chance to stay and to play with the first team.”

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