Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Kenny Niemach feels Nasreddine Nabi will be forced to make tough choices in picking the strikers he needs to use in the current 2025/26 season.
The Soweto giants signed four forwards, Flavio Silva, Etiosa Ighodaro, Luke Baartman and Khanyisa Mayo, this transfer window. The new strikers join Glody Lilepo, Wandile Duba, Ashley du Preez and Tashreeq Morris in Amakhosi’s attack.
The increase in attacking options comes at a crucial time, as Amakhosi have struggled to find a prolific goal-scorer in recent seasons. Since Samir Nurkovic scored 13 Premiership goals during the 2019/20 campaign, the Soweto giants have been battling to have a player who reaches double figures.
With this greater depth upfront, expectations are rising that Chiefs’ attacking frailties could finally be addressed. However, Niemach notes that this also presents a selection test for Nabi.
“It [having eight strikers] presents a bit of a conundrum for the coach, but then again, you must understand that the more variety he has, good for him,” Niemach told FARPost.
However, players like Lilepo, Duba, and Du Preez are also capable of playing on the wings, as coach Nabi has previously used them in that position.
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“He can use different players for different games. However, to keep everyone happy upfront will be very difficult. So it’s important that he man-manages them to ensure that they understand that in certain games, certain players will be selected.
“Maybe in cup matches, others will play. That is something he has to clarify to the players. Obviously, he also has to see that from those strikers, which ones have the best combination,” added the retired footballer, who also played for Mamelodi Sundowns.
“Having eight forwards, maybe he knows that they might be suited to play as three upfront; three across, one operating from the left, another from the right or false nine and dropping deep pulling defenders out of position.”
So far, the likes of Mayo, Ighodaro and Baartman are yet to make their Chiefs debut, while Morris has struggled for game time amid transfer talks that he could be loaned out to Betway Premiership newcomers Durban City FC.
Silva gave a hint of what to expect from him after scoring on his debut against Golden Arrows, as Du Preez and Duba are yet to find the back of the net.
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“Yes, the quality is there, but it all depends on how the coach is going to use them,” Niemach continued.
“I like that guy from Congo [Lilepo] and I think he might give the coach something good this season if used the right way.
“For now, it is difficult to tell whether the strikers will score goals or struggle because the season has just started, but like I said, it is all in the hands of the coach.”
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