In a dramatic turn of events, Kaizer Chiefs’ head coach Nasreddine Nabi justified his decision to substitute defender Bradley Cross just 30 minutes into the game against Stellenbosch FC.
The match ended with Chiefs coming from behind to secure a 2-1 victory on Wednesday evening, but Cross’s early exit raised a few eyebrows.
Nabi’s Tactical Adjustment
Although Cross had earned a rare start following his recovery from an injury, Nabi explained that the decision to bring him off was based on tactical considerations.
“We started well in the first five minutes, with control of the game.
However, we soon noticed some confusion with the back-three system,” Nabi stated.
He went on to explain that this confusion allowed Stellenbosch FC to seize control and dominate possession.
To counteract this shift in momentum, Nabi opted to substitute Cross, replacing him with a winger to provide more offensive support.
Emotional Moment for Cross
The early substitution seemed to affect Cross, who appeared visibly upset as he left the field.
His emotions were evident as he sat on the bench, and his teammates were quick to console him.
While being substituted so early is never easy for any player, Nabi’s decision was part of a strategic plan to regain control of the match.
A Season of Adjustments for Kaizer Chiefs
Since taking over in July, Nabi has faced several challenges, including a number of injuries within the squad.
One of the most notable absences has been left-back Bongani Sam, who was signed from rivals Orlando Pirates.
Cross himself had been sidelined for several weeks but made his return to action over the weekend against Cape Town City.
Despite the tough moments, Nabi emphasized the team’s resilience, particularly after managing to turn the game around and secure a crucial victory.
The Question of Cross’s Role Moving Forward
With Cross being substituted early in this match, it raises the question of whether he has impressed enough this season to secure a regular spot in the lineup, or if Nabi might need to look for another left-back during the upcoming January transfer window.
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