Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Wedson Nyirenda has identified a ‘peculiar piece’—a skill that he believes ‘Amakhosi’ players must master to fully realise Nasreddine Nabi’s tactical vision and achieve success.
Nyirenda, who previously coached in the PSL at Baroka FC, says Nabi has set up everything needed to succeed at the club. However, the Zambian coach feels the players at Chiefs have let the Tunisian mentor down as they lack a critical element.
With a record of over 90 trophies [67 official], Chiefs remain the most decorated club in South African football history. However, a nine-year trophy drought casts a long shadow over their legacy, particularly as Mamelodi Sundowns have overtaken them in league title wins.
This has undoubtedly brought humiliation to the club’s supporters, as coaches like Steve Komphela, Gavin Hunt, Molefi Ntseki, Arthur Zwane and Cavin Johnson all failed to awaken the sleeping giant.
WHAT WEDSON NYIRENDA SAID ABOUT AMAKHOSI PLAYERS
This season, Nabi has pulled all the stops to turn the tables at the Soweto Giants. But results have been indifferent. In an interview with FARPost, Nyirenda said the majority of players at the club are remorseful and cannot withstand intense PSL pressure.
The 58-year-old former striker said Chiefs players must have a remorseless desire to succeed in every game, as a dedication to winning is more valuable than titles.
“I feel we have been building the team in many seasons lying back for seven years or so. This is a long period for one of Africa’s biggest clubs,” Nyirenda told FARPost.
“Chiefs is a brand that wins things every season, but this has proven elusive in the past 8 years. The Chiefs fans have been taunted, humiliated, and scorned by their rival [Orlando Pirates].
“This has created a big anger and loss of patience in fans in recent times. Therefore, I feel the players must have that thick skin to withstand pressure and a remorseless desire to win anything and everything.
“All Chiefs need is one trophy, and all shall be set in motion. Coach Nabi is doing well. He needs some support.”
Chiefs, however, retain hopes of better strides in the Nedbank Cup, where they were drawn against Stellenbosch FC in the quarterfinals. They face Sundowns in a blockbuster fixture on Saturday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in the league.
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