Kaizer Chiefs Coach Highlights Fringe Players’ Growth and the Importance of Upcoming League Tie

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has expressed optimism after the recent Fifa international break, emphasizing the morale boost and improved performances from several fringe players. The team is set to return to DStv Premiership action against Richards Bay on Wednesday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, following a challenging few weeks.

Despite being initially frustrated with the league’s stop-start nature, Nabi acknowledged the break as a blessing in disguise. Chiefs used the period to participate in the Home of Legends Cup in Gqeberha, where they triumphed over Mamelodi Sundowns in the final after defeating Golden Arrows earlier in the day. Key performances from fringe players like Sibongiseni “Ox” Mthethwa, Pule Mmodi, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, and Mduduzi Mdantsane stood out during the tournament.

“I wasn’t happy with the stop-start of the league, but we need to accept and respect it. We profited from the break; we participated in a cup and played a friendly game against a first-division team,” Nabi explained during a media session at Naturena. “We gave more minutes to several players who have played less this season. Players like Ox, Ngcobo, and Mmodi showed great reaction in the Home of Legends Cup.”

While Nabi missed the Gqeberha trip due to medical reasons, he expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress and emphasized the importance of bouncing back after their 4-0 defeat to Sundowns in the Carling Knockout quarterfinals earlier this month.

Chiefs, who are winless in their last three matches, face Richards Bay—a side also struggling for form, with only one win in seven league matches. Despite their opponent’s woes, Nabi remains wary of the threat posed by their desperation for points.

“Richards Bay’s situation is not good, and I am sure they will give 200% in this game, not because they are playing against Chiefs but because they need a positive result. We respect them, but we also want nothing less than three points. After the Sundowns game, we go to Polokwane with big morale,” he said.

The coach, however, confirmed a potential setback as Ngcobo, who had recently returned from injury, picked up another knock during training on Sunday, making him doubtful for Wednesday’s match.

“Ngcobo was coming back well, but he got injured yesterday at training. It’s unfortunate, but we’ll have to assess his availability,” Nabi revealed.

Kaizer Chiefs will be hoping to reignite their campaign with a crucial win against Richards Bay, setting the tone for the rest of their season.