‘They did something different’: ex-Kaizer Chiefs coach commends club’s new approach

Published on by Nkosiyabuya Sithole

A former Kaizer Chiefs coach has commended the way the club has been going about their business in this off-season.

Aiming to end their nine-year trophy drought, Kaizer Chiefs are currently in Turkey for a pre-season camp as they gear up for the new season.

They appointed the new head coach Nasreddine Nabi who came along with his technical team. The club has only started signing players after his appointment.

Former Chiefs coach Sergio Dos Santos applauds the club's revamped approach this off-season. He emphasizes the importance of the coach having control over signing players he desires, rather than the club dictating choices.

Dos Santos also sees value in the overseas pre-season camp, believing it will aid the team in rediscovering their identity before the new season kicks off.

WHAT CHIEFS ARE DOING RIGHT THAT THEY WERE NOT DOING IN PREVIOUS SEASONS

“Everything has to be done differently now with this manager on board, who has been successful wherever he's been. He's going to demand a certain standard, a certain level,” says Santos,

“So, therefore, it's no use to rush to sign players because you might be making the same mistake Kaizer Chiefs have been making for the past seven years. You've got to make sure you sign the right player.

“I like the fact that for a training camp, they went away from South Africa. It gives the players a different mindset. I also like the fact that they did something different, running on the hills, running on the beach. It's a different approach.

“Now they've bought three players that they know will be very good for the team. A new broom sweeps clean.”

Dos Santos also expressed his delight about the new signings of the club, saying they would bring value to the team.

HAVE CHIEFS SIGNED RIGHT PLAYERS SO FAR?

“There might be changes in the team. Players who were playing in the midfield might play at the back, and those playing at the back might play in the midfield. We don't know what Nabi is going to do, but we must give him a chance,” he added.

“They are buying wisely. The goalkeeper, Ntwari, was outstanding for TS Galaxy last season, so they are buying a goalkeeper with a proven track record.

“So, we know for sure when he comes in, he is going to do his business, and most importantly, because he is an international, he understands the pressure.

“At Chiefs, it's like being in the national team – there is big pressure.”

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Nkosiyabuya Sithole

Nkosiyabuya Sithole, a young and rising sports journalist based in Durban, South Africa, harbors a deep passion for football. Nevertheless, he aspires to become a well-rounded journalist, adept in various areas of the field.

Nkosi's career began in 2020, working as a home-based writer during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has since written for various websites, including Briefly News, FiND-iT News, and The South African. Attending live sporting events is a particular pleasure for him, as they provide opportunities for interaction with sports personalities.

Outside of the office, he's a God-fearing and affable young man.