Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has responded to the widespread surprise surrounding the club’s recent acquisition of striker Tashreeq Morris.
Morris was snapped up from SuperSport United for the second round of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season to beef up the Chiefs’ options in attack.
The signing of the former Ajax Cape Town striker was met with a lot of negative feedback from the club’s supporters, questioning his goal-scoring abilities.
Morris penned a contract with Chiefs in a swap deal that saw Christian Saile go to SuperSport United to play under Gavin Hunt.
Since his arrival at Amakhosi, Tashreeq Morris has been in the starting line-up in two successive matches, and he looks to be an integral part of Nabi’s plans going forward.
The 30-year-old was in the starting line-up when Chiefs played to a thrilling 2-2 draw against AmaZulu last Tuesday. Morris was also a starter when Chiefs defeated Stellenbosch FC 1-0 at Athlone Stadium this past Friday.
In January 2025, Chiefs signed Morris alongside former SA’s junior international Thabo Cele and Glody Lilepo.
Cele signed for Amakhosi on a free transfer after parting ways with Russian club FC Fakel Voronezh, and Lilepo joined from French side Valenciennes FC.Â
WHAT DID NABI SAY ABOUT TASHREEQ MORRIS DOUBTERS?
Acknowledging the initial scepticism from fans and pundits, Nabi defended the signing, highlighting the specific qualities Morris brings to the team and explaining how he fits into their tactical plans.
“Every time you recruit new players, you have to do your due diligence to get the right fit for your team. We feel that we did due diligent to get the players who could help right away because in January you need to bring a player that’s ready to help right away, it’s not like in the big window [off-season],” Nabi said.
“Thabo is a player that we have been following; he’s a player that likes the ball, and we want that kind of players who are brave and want to play.
“Tashreeq, I believe that most people were surprised that he’s coming to Kaizer Chiefs, but you have to see the qualities he brings to the team. Now we can play the ball up; he can hold it for us and give us enough time to get up there.
“With Lilepo, we believe that he hasn’t even started [showing his full potential] because we know he can do more than what he’s doing.”
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