Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi didn’t hold back his disappointment after his team’s 2-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium. This defeat, marking Nabi’s first as Amakhosi coach, highlighted a troubling trend within the squad.
Ranga Chivaviro gave Chiefs an early lead, but Lucas Ribeiro Costa equalized, and Iqraam Rayners secured the win for Sundowns. Nabi was particularly concerned with his players’ lack of fight after conceding the second goal.
Sundowns dominated the rest of the first half, and Nabi noticed heads dropping after the second goal. “I do not like that. This is Kaizer Chiefs,” he stated emphatically. The former Young Africans coach demands higher mental resilience, expecting “personality and character” on the pitch.
Nabi’s frustration stems from a perceived lack of fighting spirit, which he believes could be a lingering “demon” from last season’s inconsistent performance. Chiefs finished 10th last season, failing to make the top eight.
“Maybe it was the demons of last season, but I do not want that,” he said. Despite a more positive second half with a few scoring chances, Chiefs have only collected six points out of nine in Nabi’s first three matches.