Miguel Unapologetic About “Choke Slam” To Nkota

Kaizer Chiefs defender Inacio Miguel has stated he would repeat his controversial tackle on Orlando Pirates attacker Mohau Nkota in the Nedbank Cup final, deeming it a “vital moment” for the club.

The incident occurred in May at Moses Mabhida Stadium, where Miguel brought down Nkota with what appeared to be a “choke slam” as Nkota was clear on goal. Surprisingly, Miguel only received a yellow card for the challenge.

Reflecting on the play, Miguel emphasized its importance for his team. “It is my image,” Miguel told the media in Durban on Friday.

“I always put the team first. I feel in that moment I had to stop that player (Nkota), it was the quickest way that I had in my mind. It was to grab him and make him fall.”

At the time of the foul, the game was tied 1-1 early in the second half. Yusuf Maart later scored the winning goal for Chiefs with a left-footed shot, securing Amakhosi’s first trophy in 10 years.

Miguel elaborated on the tactical necessity of his actions: “In terms of the game, it was important because it was a two-v-one situation, and I think it was Zitha Macheke, if I’m not mistaken, who was left alone at the back. But I’m not focused on that; I’m focused on helping the team. I will do it again if I have to.”

Miguel is back in Durban for the first time since that victory as Chiefs are set to face Asante Kotoko in a pre-season friendly, the Toyota Cup, at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.