Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Perersen has shared his thoughts on the club playing without head coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Since the beginning of the season, there has been a perception that Amakhosi plays with more freedom without Nabi. The team has won three of their opening Betway Premiership games under the guidance of Khalil Ben Youssef while Nabi was away.
The Tunisian tactician returned to the club but only secured four points from a possible nine. Against Kabuscorp in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round, Kaizer Chiefs decided to leave Nabi behind, with Ben Youssef again taking over.
Petersen, who has been the team’s first-choice goalkeeper this season, has rebutted claims that Chiefs played better without Nabi.
“I think we’ve always been the same when coach Nabi was there or if he wasn’t there,” he told the media.
“Like you said, it’s a conspiracy. For us, it’s important to always respect whoever is in charge because that’s our job. Our job is to play football, listen to the coaches.”
Nabi and Chiefs set to part ways
Speaking during the launch of the Carling Knockout Cup, Petersen said the club’s main focus was to stay focused amid Nabi’s potential exit.
“I think at the end of the day, it’s football, coaches come, and coaches go. For us, the main thing is to stay focused. We have back-to-back games, and it’s important to try to keep the team together. We have a job in hand, and our job is to play football. That’s the main focus for now. We’re looking forward to the next fixture and doing our best,” he said.
The Chiefs have not officially confirmed Nabi’s exit, but there are reports that the Tunisian is no longer at Naturena.