Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has broken his silence following the club’s narrow Toyota Cup defeat to Asante Kotoko, offering an optimistic reflection just two weeks before their Betway Premiership opener.
The Glamour Boys failed to lift the Toyota Cup for a second consecutive year after falling short in a tense penalty shootout at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Yet, despite the result, Nabi insists the match provided crucial insight into his squad’s progress.
“I think it was a game that was a lot of instructive with the performance we came up with a lot of answers with what we have been doing and what we need to do going forward. And as well I think it was a perfect performance overall,” Nabi told SABC Sport.
Missed chances haunt Chiefs
Chiefs created opportunities to seal the victory both during regular time and in the shootout, but failed to capitalise.
“We had the opportunity to win the game during the game, but we missed it. We had the opportunity to win the game during the penalties, we missed it,” Nabi admitted.
The Tunisian coach acknowledged the disappointment of ending pre-season without silverware but emphasised the unpredictability of penalty shootouts.
“Unfortunately, we wanted to finish (the pre-season) by offering our supporters the victory and finish the game with joy but unfortunately on penalties it’s unpredictable.”
Final phase of pre-season underway
With the new campaign fast approaching, Nabi stressed the importance of the fixture in assessing both strengths and shortcomings.
“Yes, I think it’s very positive and in the right direction for the physical work,” he said. “Maybe now we start the last step in the pre-season.”
He also highlighted the match’s value in pinpointing areas for improvement.
“You know, the negative parts what are the negative parts but for us this game is very important for us to look where is the problem honestly where is the quality and to push to have the quality and to correct the negative part. But probably I have satisfaction for such performance honestly.”
Chiefs fans urged to stay positive
While the result might concern some fans, Nabi’s measured tone suggests he’s focused on long-term progress rather than short-term trophies. The real test comes in two weeks when Chiefs kick off their Betway Premiership campaign. And Nabi seems quietly confident his side will rise to the occasion.
What kind of season will Kaizer Chiefs have?
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