Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi expressed satisfaction with his team’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chippa United but admitted concerns about their cautious second-half performance.
The win, courtesy of Mduduzi Shabalala’s decisive goal, marked a step forward for Amakhosi in the Betway Premiership.
First-Half Brilliance and a Key Goal
The match began on a positive note, with Chiefs showing determination to control the game.
Shabalala’s 45th-minute strike proved pivotal, propelling the team to seventh place in the league standings.
While the performance wasn’t flawless, Nabi acknowledged the significance of the result, emphasizing the team’s need to build on this momentum.
Fear and Caution Dominate the Second Half
Reflecting on the game, Nabi highlighted a shift in the team’s approach after the break.
“We needed to start strong, and the first half was good, but after we scored, we played with fear,” he said in an interview with SuperSport TV.
He noted the psychological impact of previous disappointing results, which led players to adopt a defensive mindset instead of pushing forward.
“When you play with fear, you hold back,” Nabi added.
“It’s understandable given the circumstances, but it’s not the style of play we want to maintain. We’re confident that this victory can help us overcome that and improve moving forward.”
Building Momentum for the Future
Despite the challenges, Nabi praised his squad’s efforts, particularly the goalkeeper’s critical saves that secured the win.
While acknowledging that the team hasn’t yet reached their desired quality of play, he expressed optimism about the potential for more consistent performances.
“We’re not at the level we aim for yet, but with these three points, we believe we can progress and achieve better results,” he stated.
Eyeing Reinforcements in the Transfer Window
As the transfer window approaches, Nabi hinted at bolstering the squad to enhance their prospects.
Kaizer Chiefs have been linked to notable players, including Percy Tau, Asanele Velebayi, and Fiston Mayele.
These potential signings could provide the spark needed to turn the season around.