Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has shared his thoughts on the performances of the newly signed duo, Thabo Cele and Glody Lilepo in the Soweto Derby.
Nabi introduced the pair into the Betway Premiership encounter against Orlando Pirates at the sold-out FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday afternoon.
The game appeared to be heading for a stalemate until Patrick Maswanganyi converted a penalty in added time. The Buccaneers emerged victorious, clinching the maximum points from the match.
Amakhosi signed three players during the January transfer window in an effort to strengthen their squad.
Lilepo, Cele, and Tashreeq Morris were added to Nabi’s squad. However, only Cele and Lilepo made their debuts, as Morris was serving a suspension after receiving a red card in his last game for SuperSport United. Cele came on in the 51st minute, while Lilepo was introduced in the 60th minute.
WHAT NABI SAID ABOUT LILEPO AND CELE’S DEBUT PERFORMANCE
The Tunisian mentor was impressed by the quality displayed by the duo. He believes they will significantly contribute to the team’s success in the future.
“I believe that, for the time they were on the field, they showed some good quality,” Nabi told journalists. “But you have to understand that they only trained for four days after long trips from Europe. They were not training regularly before they came, but in the few minutes that they played, you can see there is qualify in them.
“We are happy with the players that came on. We take this opportunity to thank the management and the board for those signings.”
Morris is poised to make his debut on Tuesday when Amakhosi hosts AmaZulu FC at FNB Stadium. With the injured Ashley Du Preez and Wandile Duba sidelined, Morris is likely to make his first appearance.
Cele and Lilepo are also eager for another opportunity as they acclimate to the Betway Premiership.
RELATED STORY: Pirates snatch Soweto Derby victory with last-gasp penalty
