Despite the Soweto derby loss, Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has spoken glowingly about one element marking their progress in his tenure.
Nabi and his men were left deflated after Orlando Pirates snatched a win in the last moments of the game.
For a moment, it looked to be heading for a share of spoils until Pirates won a penalty in additional time. And Patrick Maswanganyi converted easily.
That was all The Buccaneers needed to emerge victorious and keep their momentum in the 2024/25 season.
THE MENTALITY HAS CHANGED SAYS CHIEFS COACH NASREDDINE NABI
Nevertheless, Nabi spoke glowingly when asked to assess his team’s progress after their Soweto derby display.
“I love the team’s progress, the mentality has changed compared with last season. Kaizer Chiefs will come back, there were a lot of positives that we picked today [against Orlando Pirates].
“It’s true, the performance was somehow good because the players are slowly coming to where we want them to be. Their mentality has totally changed.”
Nabi pointed out that the return of Ashley Du Preez and Wandile Dube will increase competition in upcoming fixtures.
The Tunisian mentor is also looking forward to the availability of a new striker Tashreeq Morris.
Morris was serving a suspension for a red card he received while at SuperSport United.
“For the next match, where we have players like Ashley[Dupreez], Duba [Wandile], and Morris [Tashreeq] coming back, this can only increase everyone’s level of competitiveness in the team. A player like Ashley has been good in the history of derbies since he came to the team.”
Meanwhile, new signings Thabo Cele and Glody Lilepo were thrown into the fray in the second half of the Soweto Derby.
Nabi and his men now shift focus to the upcoming round of fixtures. Chiefs will host AmaZulu FC at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday.
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