Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi wants his team to maintain the momentum from their impressive Nedbank Cup quarter-final win over Stellenbosch when they host Cape Town City in a crucial league match on Wednesday evening at FNB Stadium at 7.30pm.
Speaking to the media at Naturena on Monday, Nabi expressed the importance of keeping the same intensity in cup competitions and across the board in every game.
For the Tunisian-born tactician, there is no room for complacency, and the “cup final spirit” that Amakhosi showed in their last outing must become a constant fixture in their performances going forward.
“We’ve closed the chapter of the cup win and now focus on the league. This match against City is very important for us to gather as many points as possible,” he said.
Chiefs have struggled to string together consistent wins this season, and the need to capitalise on any opportunities to climb up the league table is critical.
The pressure is on the Naturena-based club at this stage of the season, especially after an up-and-down first half of the season, where they have not been able to establish a long winning run. However, Nabi is also fully aware of the challenges posed by a City side that, despite recent struggles, cannot be underestimated.
The Citizens have been winless in their last eight games in all competitions, suffering six defeats and two draws.
Their last victory was in January, when they edged Richards Bay 2-1 at home, but that record is something Chiefs cannot take for granted.
“City is a good team. Forget about their recent form. They’ve had some struggles, but we know how dangerous they can be. We can’t afford to go into this match thinking we’ve already won,” he explained.
The memory of the 1-0 defeat Chiefs suffered to City earlier this year in Cape Town is still fresh in Nabi’s mind, and he’s eager for his team to put in a much-improved performance.
The loss came in City coach Muhsin Ertuğral’s first two games in charge when Orlando Pirates also bowed at the feet of their former employee. That result was a bitter pill for Chiefs, and Nabi seems determined to make amends on Wednesday night.
“Muhsin Ertuğral beat me in Cape Town. Kaizer Chiefs need the points, so we have to play every game with a cup final spirit,” he insisted.
With Chiefs coming off back-to-back wins over Magesi FC and Stellenbosch, Nabi will be hoping to maintain that momentum and secure their first three-game winning streak of the season.
This match is a test of both Chiefs’ tactical discipline and mental fortitude as they look to build consistency and make a serious push for a CAF Confederation spot.