- Coach Nasreddine Nabi admits fans are tired of the word “process” after Kaizer Chiefs missed the top eight two seasons in a row.
- Chiefs begin their season against Stellenbosch FC on Sunday, with new signings and big hopes to end years of underachievement.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has learnt the hard way that Amakhosi fans do not want to hear about “process”, especially after two seasons outside the top eight.
Speaking at the launch of the new Betway Premiership season, Nabi said his focus now is on results, not excuses.
“The goal is to put Kaizer Chiefs back where it belongs,” said Nabi. “I know people don’t like hearing about the process anymore. Last season we won one of the two major trophies, and this time we’ll take it game by game.”
Chiefs beat Orlando Pirates to win the Nedbank Cup and end a 10-year trophy drought. That result saved Nabi’s job, even though the club still finished ninth in the league for a second year running.
Some fans wanted him sacked anyway.
Now, with a fresh group of players and a difficult opening match away to Stellenbosch FC on Sunday, Nabi is promising improvement.
The club has added Ethan Chislett, Nkanyiso Shinga, Flávio Silva, Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako and Siphesihle Ndlovu. They’ve let go of several players, including Edmilson Dove and Ranga Chivaviro.
There’s still talk of a possible deal for Nigerian striker Etiosa Ighodaro. “He’s a good player, but not ours yet,” said Nabi.
Fans are hopeful that new signings will help solve Chiefs’ biggest problem: scoring goals. Last season, the club’s top scorers managed only five league goals each.
Nabi has been rotating between Brandon Petersen and Bruce Bvuma in goal, but it’s still not clear who will start this season. Bvuma ended last season in poor form, while Petersen was in goal for the Nedbank Cup final.
Chiefs showed promise in pre-season, but their finishing was poor in a recent friendly against Ghana’s Asante Kotoko. They lost on penalties and will also be without Pule Mmodi this weekend due to suspension.
There is a clear improvement in defence, with Shinga and Monyane impressing out wide. In midfield, Ndlovu looks like a strong addition to a group already full of KZN-born talent.
Chiefs face a tough early schedule, including a showdown with champions Mamelodi Sundowns on 27 August.
Pictured above: Nasreddine Nabi.
Image source: File
