Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef had decided the team’s 2-0 win over Stellenbosch for their head coach Nasreddine Nabi.
The 60-year-old Tunisian mentor returned home to attend to his injured wife, who was involved in an accident. Ben Youssef and Amakhosi’s second assistant coach, Cedric Kaze were on the touchline during the team’s opening match in Athlone Stadium.
Goals from Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Glody Lilepo gave Kaizer Chiefs all three points in their opening Betway Premiership.
“We promised Nasredine Nabi that we would win this game for him, and we are all praying for his wife to feel better so that the coach may rejoin us,” said Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Ben Youssef.
“To maintain concentration and focus in a game like this one is tough, but our players never gave up fighting,” said Nabi’s right-hand man.
Amakhosi’s win on Sunday sees them joint Betway Premiership leaders alongside five other teams. Chiefs’ development product Aiden McCarthy was named man of the match for his performance after helping his side keep the clean sheet.
Nabi back in Tunisia, but new coach guides Kaizer Chiefs
“We have to give thanks to the DDC coaching setup for getting these young players ready for senior top-flight football,” said Ben Youssef.
“Aiden has a good work ethic. He struggled a bit last season, but he’s been one of our best players in camp recently.”
Kaizer Chiefs will now turn their focus on Polokwane City, whom they face on Wednesday, but it remains to be seen if Nabi will be on the touchline then.
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