Nabi challenges Chiefs players to emulate Shabalala & Monyane by winning Broos’ heart

Kaizer Chiefs duo Mduduzi Shabalala and Thabiso Monyane were in the Bafana Bafana squad that played the recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria, respectively. 

While Shabalala was involved when Hugo Broos named his final squad, Monyane came in as a replacement for Nyiko Mobbie, who was injured in the 3-0 win over the Crocodiles. The former Orlando Pirates defender played against Nigeria after coming in for Zuko Mdunyelwa, who suffered a knock.

Amakhosi tactician Nasreddine Nabi is delighted that two of his players turned out for South Africa, but insists he wants to see more players represent the national team. 

Chiefs hoping to have more teams in Bafana Bafana

Ahead of the Premier Soccer League game against Sekhukhune United on Tuesday night, Nabi challenged other players to up their game, and ensure they remain consistent.

“It is always an honour to have players from Kaizer Chiefs represent the nation and we hopeful that in the future as well, we will have even more players, but that requires a lot of work, a lot of sacrifices from the players to be at their best, consistently,” he told the media.

“As well we’re hoping that we will have more players in the near future, representing the national team.”

We want everyone to be ready

Nabi has further explained how he utilised the international break to shape his team ahead of a busy schedule.

“We have tried to take advantage of this time, this international break to improve on two parameters, our physical condition and tactical principles, especially the first week of the international break, then as well, we organised a day of friendly games for the group,” the Tunisian continued.

“We had everyone involved, to give everyone minutes in the legs, because there are many players who have not had enough time playing and there’s now players that needed to play for us to see.

“We’re heading into a very busy schedule, and we want everyone to be ready when they are going to be needed,” Nabi concluded.