Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has once again asked the club’s supporters to temper their expectations for this season, emphasizing that it’s a period of learning and adaptation to the league.

Nabi, appointed in the off-season after Chiefs finished 10th last term under two different coaches, reiterated that the current project is a process requiring time.

Following Chiefs’ 2-1 defeat to Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership on Saturday, Nabi reaffirmed this stance. This marked Amakhosi’s 10th league loss and their first away defeat to Arrows at the 2010 World Cup venue, resulting in the Durban-based side completing a league double over Chiefs this season.

Adding to the fans’ frustration was captain Yusuf Maart’s casual penalty attempt, which struck the post, squandering an early opportunity to take the lead.

“The club, after they analyzed the situation last season, and the season before, the first season is a transition season,” Nabi stated. 

“If you don’t use first season as a transition, you are not realistic to project to build a new team.  

“I think I discovered the problems now that I thought before inside the team. But that doesn’t give you possibilities to have losing mentality this season.  

“It doesn’t mean we are in the transition we don’t play to him, because you need a winning mentality to win. But honestly, if you talk about realistic, this is really transitioning season in building a successful team.” 

Nabi’s comments suggest that he believes the current Chiefs squad is not yet equipped to compete for the league title with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, who hold significant leads at the top of the Betway Premiership table ahead of Amakhosi.

Chiefs will aim to break their two-game losing streak when they host TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday at 19:00.

Pic courtesy of Ayanda Shots