Nabi Optimistic About New Signings After Netherlands Pre-Season

Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi is optimistic about the club’s new signings ahead of next season, following their pre-season camp in the Netherlands.

Chiefs went on a shopping spree this transfer window, securing Nkanyiso Shinga, Ethan Chislett, Flavio Silva, Thabiso Monyane, Siphesihle Ndlovu, and Paseko Mako.

Shinga, Chislett, Monyane, and Silva all featured in the pre-season in the Netherlands, where Amakhosi played five matches. Ndlovu and Mako did not participate in the pre-season camp for various reasons.

Although Chiefs won only one of those friendly matches against some top Dutch sides, Nabi emphasized that it was a valuable exercise for the team to “jell.”

“They need to fully jell with the group,” Nabi noted about the newcomers. “However, they are all adapting nicely, and they’re starting to understand what I expect from them. Our objective was to sign new players who will bring us to a higher level compared to last season.”

Nabi also expressed his impression with not only the quality, but also the “character” of the three youngsters from the Kaizer Chiefs Youth Development Academy: Thulani Mabaso, Kabelo Nkgwesa, and Naledi Hlongwane.

All three joined the pre-season camp in Holland, with Hlongwane notably scoring the winning goal against PEC Zwolle.

“We don’t want to rush them,” the coach explained. “However, I am always willing to give maximum opportunities to young talents. If you are good enough, you are old enough to play. That’s my philosophy.”

Chiefs will have another pre-season match when they face Asante Kotoko in the Toyota Cup at the Moses Mabhida Stadium this Saturday.