Kaizer Chiefs boss Nasreddine Nabi would have liked more time to prepare for their gigantic clash against Mamelodi Sundowns as he says the turnaround time of two days is not enough.
Nabi is set to sit through his first major test as the Chiefs coach when they host Sundowns in a Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg at 15:00.
The Tunisian-born mentor has enjoyed a great start to his tenure, claiming back-to-back victories against Marumo Gallants (2-1) and AmaZulu (3-1).
But the coach’s walk into FNB Stadium for his first game would feel like being thrown into the lion’s den.
“It’s in less than 48 hours, I’m really just wondering if that is enough time to prepare for the next game, no matter which team it is,” Nabi said.
“We only have 48 hours and according to Fifa, it shouldn’t be like that. It’s a short time.”
This is because Nabi’s men faced Usuthu in Durban on Wednesday night and were only due to travel back to Johannesburg on Thursday.
This leaves the coach with a day of a full training session as Thursday would most likely accommodate the recovery session.
“I would have really liked to get more time to work on the tactics and strategies to play against such a big team. Because to be honest, AmaZulu and Sundowns are not the same,” he said.
“If you prepare for a game on a professional level, you need time because my tactics for today may differ from that of the game against Sundowns.
“We need to practice them on the field. But tomorrow (Thursday) we are flying back to Johannesburg, that’s one day after the game (in Durban).
“I don’t have time to prepare my team tactically for the game. It’s not possible for me (to do it) for the game against Sundowns because we had a game (two days before) with AmaZulu.”
READ: ‘He has a huge impact on the entire team’ – Nabi hails talismanic Gaston Sirino influence
However, Nabi has vowed to work around the clock to get his team ready to match whatever the high-flying Sundowns may throw at them.
“But this is not an excuse, we will go and give 200 per cent because I know Sundowns are one of the greatest teams even in Africa,” Nabi said.
“We have so much respect for Sundowns but we remain Kaizer Chiefs and are playing at home. Yes, we would have loved more time to prepare for this game, but we will give 200 per cent.”
Nabi says Chiefs' win is positive, but there are still a few things to work on 👇@Betway_za #BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/uFamOBWGNU
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) September 25, 2024
