Nasreddine Nabi: Kaizer Chiefs Are On Track Despite Toyota Cup Loss

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has brushed aside concerns over the team’s underwhelming pre-season results, emphasising that friendly matches are all about preparation rather than outcomes.
Nabi was speaking following Amakhosi’s penalty shootout defeat to Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko in the Toyota Cup showdown at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Despite the loss, the Tunisian-Belgian tactician remained calm and firm in his belief that these games serve a bigger purpose.
It’s All About Preparation, Not Scorelines
Since the start of their pre-season campaign, Chiefs have managed just one win from six matches, a run that includes a European tour to the Netherlands. But Nabi insists that results aren’t the priority during this stage of the campaign.
“We’re in pre-season, and our objectives during this period are clearly outlined,” Nabi told the media. “The aim of this friendly was never about the final score. I understand why people are looking at the result, but for us, it’s about building the team.”
Low Goal Count Not a Concern Yet
One of the issues raised during pre-season has been the team’s lack of goals. Chiefs have only managed to score three times in their six matches. However, Nabi again urged supporters and critics to look at the broader picture.
“In the Netherlands, we faced four top-flight clubs and had very little recovery time between matches. These conditions were tough but valuable,” he said. “This is still a phase where we are learning and preparing. It’s not about the 90-minute result.”
Visible Progress Despite the Scoreboard
The clash against Asante Kotoko marked Chiefs’ second appearance in the Toyota Cup, a pre-season event designed to strengthen continental ties and get the team ready for their return to CAF inter-club competitions.
Reflecting on the performance, Nabi believes the team is steadily progressing.
“Compared to last year’s Toyota Cup match against Young Africans, we’ve made significant strides,” he noted. “Yes, there are areas that need more work, but overall, we’re improving.”
The coach praised the team’s growing quality and adaptability, highlighting that many of the players are starting to understand his tactical approach. “There’s a better feel around the squad now. The players are responding well to our ideas,” he added.
A Missed Chance, But Objectives Achieved
New club captain Inacio Miguel had a golden opportunity to seal the win in regular time when Pule Mmodi won a penalty late in the game. However, Miguel’s effort was off the mark, sending the match to penalties where Kotoko triumphed.
Despite that, Nabi wasn’t disappointed. “Would we have liked to win? Of course,” he said. “But more importantly, we achieved what we set out to do in terms of fitness, team cohesion, and tactical clarity.”
Eyes Set on Season Opener
With the Betway Premiership opener against Stellenbosch FC fast approaching, Chiefs now turn their focus to fine-tuning and ironing out remaining flaws. Nabi remains optimistic and is confident that the pre-season groundwork will pay off when the competitive fixtures begin.
As far as he’s concerned, the team’s preparation is heading in the right direction, and the scoreboard will soon reflect that.
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