Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo has been watching closely as Nasreddine Nabi made his official debut as Amakhosi coach.
After a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership, Khumalo highlighted some important changes he noticed in the team’s performance.
Let’s break down the key elements from that match and what they could mean for Chiefs moving forward.
A Winning Start Away from Home
Nabi’s first game in charge was a test of resilience. Chiefs were away from home in Bloemfontein and found themselves trailing early on.
However, they turned the game around with goals from academy talents Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi, securing a 2-1 win.
For Chiefs fans, this was not just a victory, but a sign of a new era.
According to Khumalo, the changes are already noticeable, and he’s picked three key elements that Nabi has brought into the squad.
Organisation and Structure
Khumalo, a 1996 AFCON champion with Bafana Bafana, praised the team’s improved structure.
“There’s more organisation compared to last season,” he said.
While acknowledging it’s still early days, Khumalo believes that there’s already a visible difference in the way Chiefs approach their games.
He highlighted their improved form in both the Toyota Cup and the match against Gallants, hinting that things are finally looking up.
Showing Character on the Field
One of the standout features of the game was the character Chiefs displayed, especially after conceding the opening goal.
Instead of crumbling, they bounced back with Shabalala’s equalizer and Vilakazi’s match-winner.
Khumalo was impressed by the team’s attitude, noting that it’s a positive sign for the season ahead.
While the win boosted morale, Khumalo warns that there’s still much work to be done.
“The best takeaway is the three points and the fighting spirit, but we shouldn’t get carried away just yet,” he said.
Smart Introduction of Young Players
One of the most noticeable shifts under Nabi is his careful integration of younger players into the squad.
Khumalo appreciated this approach, stating, “Nabi is very calculative in how he introduces the young players.”
Mduduzi Shabalala has been on form, scoring regularly in friendlies, and his performance in this match proved Nabi’s strategy is working.
The youngsters were used sparingly, with none playing the full 90 minutes, showing that the coach is mindful of not putting too much pressure on them too soon.
A Tough Road Ahead
While the win is a promising start, Khumalo cautions that rebuilding the team will not be easy.
He emphasized that fans need to remain patient, as football is unpredictable and losses are inevitable.
Drawing comparisons to Mamelodi Sundowns, he explained that building a solid squad can take years.
“This is a process, and it could take up to five years to get the team where it needs to be,” he added.
What’s Next for Chiefs?
With a winning start, Chiefs now set their sights on their next challenge: a league match against AmaZulu FC on 25 September 2024 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
All eyes will be on how the team continues to evolve under Nabi’s leadership.
It’s clear that there’s still a long journey ahead, but the signs are there – Chiefs might just be on the right track toward reclaiming their former glory.
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