Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Katlego Mphela, commonly referred to as ‘Killer' has played down suggestions coach Nasreddine Nabi is the club's main undoing.
The Tunisian joined the team at the start of the ongoing campaign, but he has failed to deliver, especially in the Premier Soccer League. The Soweto giants are outside the top eight and might miss out on the MTN8 for the second consecutive season.
However, the former Yanga SC coach might end the team's trophy drought that has lasted a decade. On May 10, Amakhosi will play the defending champions, Orlando Pirates, in the Nedbank Cup final to be staged at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Mphela argues Nabi had an immediate impact at the club, but it is just that injuries have been hitting key players. He believes the tactician has what it takes to help the team get back to the top in Mzansi football.
Nabi is on course to change things, and should be given more time
“Looking at the way the team started, there was some positivity. There have been injuries to some of the players who started the season very well, like Mduduzi Shabalala and Ashley du Preez, and some suspicious injuries as well, which affected the team,” he told SNL24.
“But as for the coach, I think he is on course to change things and he should be given more time. Let him finish his contract and see what he can do. It won't be right to change coaches now as the team is not playing badly. It's just that small thing which needs to be done and start winning. Finishing is the only missing thing now. So Nabi should be given more time.
“I don't think changing the coaches will help things. Look at what happened with the other coaches? Let's give him the chance because now he understands the team, the league and the players a well. If we change now a new coach will start from scratch again and it may take another long time. So Nabi must stay for now,” Mphela concluded.
Chiefs play Pirates on Saturday in the Premier Soccer League's Soweto derby hoping to end six-match winless run in the competition.
