Despite only being in the early stages of his Kaizer Chiefs tenure, coach Nasreddine Nabi believes the team is making great progress and has already pointed out positive changes compared to the previous season.
On Saturday, Nabi kicked off his time with Amakhosi with an inspiring 2-1 victory over Marumo Gallants in a Betway Premiership at a packed Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Chiefs’ goals came from youngsters Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi while Sekela Sithole found the back of the net for Gallants.
Because of the result, the Glamour Boys spent the league’s opening weekend at the summit of the log standings.
It might only be the first match of the campaign, but the win certainly brings happiness and hope to millions of Chiefs supporters about good times being on the horizon.
Last season, the Soweto giants had their worst run ever in the Premier Soccer League era as they finished in 10th place.
READ: Nasreddine Nabi lauds Kaizer Chiefs youngster after opening day victory
Nabi has a tough challenge to improve that and help the club win silverware for the first time in nine years.
The Tunisian-born coach has asked for time to deliver but remains confident about the project.
“If I compare (today’s performance) to the Kaizer Chiefs of last season there’s a change,” Nabi told media after the game in Bloem.
“The players have that winning attitude but before when they concede a goal, the morale of all the players would go down.
“But now we work hard (to bounce back). I’m happy with their attitude. This is the best change we have observed.”
The coach expressed his delight at having players such as former Mamelodi Sundowns star Gaston Sirino, who was a marvel to watch in his official debut for Chiefs.
“And I’m happy with the performance of Sirino, congratulations to him. I’m honestly happy about all the players including those on the bench and in Johannesburg,” Nabi said.
Amakhosi stay on the road for their next outing, travelling to AmaZulu FC for a league clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on September 25.
Usuthu aim to bounce back after they kicked off the season with a 2-1 loss to Polokwane City, thanks to a howler from their goalkeeper Veli Mothwa.
Match Highlights #Amakhosi4Life #AlwaysHome #BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/4LroO4xey8
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) September 15, 2024
