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‘It’s easy for them to replace players’ – Nabi on Sundowns’ ‘fatigue excuse’

Nasreddine Nabi - Picture courtesy of Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has made a statement that seems to dismiss any potential excuses of fatigue from Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Brazilians, unlike their rivals, who enjoyed an off-season break, had limited time for pre-season due to their participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the USA.

And Sundowns’ involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup came after a gruelling 2024/25 season, marked by a relentless and demanding schedule.

Their long journey to the CAF Champions League final, combined with participation in four local competitions—the Betway Premiership, MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, and Nedbank Cup—also took a significant toll on the team.

As a result, they’ve had an inconsistent start to the new 2025/26 season, with three wins, one loss, and two draws in their first seven matches across all competitions.

Following the 0-0 draw against Chiefs on Wednesday at a packed FNB Stadium, Amakhosi coach Nabi stated that Sundowns have enough quality players to handle fatigue among their regular starters.

Thabiso Monyane and Teboho Mokoena – Picture courtesy of Kaizer Chiefs

NABI BELIEVES SUNDOWNS HAVE ENOUGH IN THE SQUAD TO HANDLE FATIGUE

“It’s a fact that there is fatigue as a team that played two days ago [against Orlando Pirates in the MTN8],” said Nabi at the post-match press conference.

“They also played at the FIFA Club World Cup; they didn’t have a proper pre-season, but we know all the number of players they have and the quality they have. We believe that it’s easy for them to replace players who are not fatigued.”

The Tunisian coach said his team didn’t have a “very good” first half against “Bafana Ba Style,” but their performance significantly improved in the second half.

“Looking at the game, the intensity we put in, the first half was not very good, but the opportunities were created,” added Nabi.

“Second half, with a more aggressive approach, the number of times that we got into their box, needing the last pass, I believe that without lacking respect to the opponents, we lost two points.”