Nabi Issues Lilepo Warning To Betway Premiership Rivals
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has sent a stern warning to Betway Premiership rivals about Glody Lilepo, stating that the winger is capable of reaching double figures in goals scored once he unlocks his full potential.
The Democratic Republic of Congo forward signed for Amakhosi in the January transfer window from French third division side Valenciennes FC, inking a deal that is expected to keep him at Naturena until June 2027.
Lilepo scored the equalizing goal that salvaged a point for Chiefs against Sekhukhune United in a 1-1 draw on Saturday. Since his arrival, the winger has made 20 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with six goals, all coming in the league, and a solitary assist.
Interestingly, despite only joining the Soweto giants a few months ago, the 27-year-old attacker is the club’s top goal scorer in the league. However, the Tunisian mentor is adamant the player is yet to reach his full potential, citing a lack of match sharpness.
“We feel that he is a player who has not reached his full potential because before joining us, he spent some months without playing due to difficulties with his previous team,” said Nabi through a translator, assistant coach Cedric Kaze.
“Once he reaches his full physical potential, [he will contribute more], because you can see that sometimes he doesn’t finish games because his full potential has not been reached yet. But we feel that once he reaches his full physical potential, he will be a use to his teammates.”
Nabi went on to further state that with a full pre-season training, Lilepo can score 10 goals with ease.
“With a full pre-season, he is a player that can do more than what he does right now, ” the 59-year-old tactician added.
“He is a winger, but he is those kinds of wingers that can easily finish the league with 10 goals. He is a winger that likes to cut inside, likes to score, and he is looking for opportunities to score all the time, to make his teammates score, and we believe that he can do even more than that.”
Nabi’s men will turn out for the final time this season with a visit from Polokwane City at FNB Stadium on Saturday as they aim to secure a top-eight spot. The Naturena-based outfit is currently in ninth place on the log standings with 31 points amassed.
