by Dzudzie Faith Netshisaulu
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi faces a big challenge in his short tenure at Naturena in the Betway Premiership defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, and expectations from Amakhosi faithfull will be for him to clock in another win.
Chiefs have won their last two matches, their season-opening match against Marumo Gallants at the Free State Stadium, and a 3-1 walloping of AmaZulu in this week’s midweek fixture at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
This will be Nabi’s first home match in the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season, his debut appearance in front of the Club’s home fans as head coach of Kaizer Chiefs.
Speaking on Thursday ahead of this much awaited clash, Nabi confirmed that he had a full squad of players to select from for the weekend.
“We have no casualties from Wednesday but with the travelling back from Durban, the turnaround time between games has been very short and Sundowns have had one day more than us to rest, so we have barely any time to work on anything. It has all been about rest and recovery,” he said.
Nabi added that that there was no special plan for The Brazilians, and that they would go into this match just like any other.
“For us, it’s not about Sundowns specifically as much as it is about facing an opponent and we prepare according to how we want to play no matter who we play against,” he explained, adding, “However, as we do with our preparation to face any opponents, we have analysed their form so far this season.”
Nabi added that a big match like this was easy to prepare for as everyone is hyped up for it.
“It is actually easier to prepare for these big matches because everyone is up for it. Players look forward to these matches the most and no extra motivation is needed; our team is ready,” he said, “I hope it will be a good game and that we can go into the international break with three wins out of three.”
Gates will open at 12:00, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00. The game will be broadcast live on SuperSport’s PSL Channel 202 on DStv, SABC 1 and SABC radio stations.