Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has expressed his concerns about the timing of his team’s match against Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium on Saturday, stating that it is a quick turnaround following their midweek fixture in the Betway Premiership.

Chiefs played on Wednesday at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium, defeating AmaZulu 3-1 to secure their second consecutive win under the new Tunisian coach. In contrast, Mamelodi Sundowns had a day of rest on Wednesday after their 4-1 victory over Marumo Gallants on Tuesday.

Nabi explained that there is limited time for preparation due to the team’s travel from Durban to Johannesburg on Thursday. He emphasized the need for more time to work on tactics and strategies, as the specific approach required against Sundowns differs from that used against AmaZulu.

“We are going to be playing at 3PM and it is a very short time, and it shouldn’t be possible,” said Nabi in Durban as Chiefs became the only side to have won their opening two league games of the season for the ninth time, more than any other side in PSL history. 

“So, I would really like to get more time to work tactically, strategically because the specific we worked against AmaZulu is not the same as Sundowns. 

“If you prepare your game professionally, you need more time to practice my tactics. I need the time to practice, and it is not like ‘Okay, come on guys, no, no’, it is practice on the field.  

“On Thursday, we will fly to Johannesburg and after one day before the game (on Friday), I won’t have time to prepare very good tactically my team. 

“Not only possible for myself to talk before for Sundowns’ game after we played AmaZulu.”   Nabi added.

Despite the short turnaround, Nabi assured that his team will give their best effort against Sundowns. “This is not an excuse; we will give 200 percent against Sundowns,” said Nabi, the first Tunisian coach in the PSL. “While I would have preferred more time, as Sundowns is the best team in Africa, we will go for the win and give our all, especially playing at home.”

With their victory over AmaZulu, Chiefs moved up to third place in the Betway Premiership table with six points. Sundowns leads the table with the same number of points but holds the top position due to their superior goal difference. Orlando Pirates is in second place with six points and a better goal difference than Chiefs.