Former Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele urges Kaizer Chiefs players to improve cohesion within the squad to increase chances of having a decent season.
Chiefs are hard at work, preparing for the new Premier Soccer League (PSL) season where they will kick off against Marumo Gallants in a Betway Premiership clash at Free State Stadium on September 14.
That match will officially usher in a new era for Amakhosi under the regime of coach Nasreddine Nabi and his technical team.
The Tunisian-born mentor has a tough task to help the Glamour boys reclaim their glory days and end the nine-year trophy drought.
Jele, who enjoyed a massive rivalry with Amakhosi during his playing days, reckons Nabi can steer Chiefs to the desired destination.
However, the former central defender said the coach can’t do it alone. He will need the help of the players pulling together as a group.
“They need to be together as players, sometimes I feel like the coach can only do so much,” Jele said during an interview with Arena Sports Show.
“Even if you can bring in the best coach in the world, if togetherness is not there I think there will be problems, you can’t get the results.”
While Chiefs’ first appearances under Nabi in the Toyota Cup where they lost 4-0 to Young Africans of Tanzania drew more flak than positives, Jele insists the new coach is onto something.
“This past season obviously things didn’t go well for Chiefs but I’ve seen something from this friendly that they played in the Toyota Cup,” Jele said.
“I can see what the coach is trying to do, he is trying to implement his style but it’s too early, we need to at least see him (properly) in two or three games.
“Also, they’ve signed players such as Sirino and the guy (Rushwin Dortley) from Cape Town Spurs, he is a good player as well, and they are trying to strengthen the team.
“But for me, it’s just the togetherness. I feel like they (players) are separate.”
Chiefs still aim to bring in more players before the transfer window closes.
The Soweto giants are currently linked with the Democratic Republic of Congo star forward Fiston Mayele.
According to media reports, Amakhosi have tabled an offer for the player who is the books of the Egyptian club Pyramids.
