Kaizer Chiefs head coach has explained his reasons for remaining cautiously optimistic after securing his first win in charge of the club in a Betway Premiership tie against Marumo Gallants at a sold-out Free State Stadium on Saturday.
The Soweto giants defeated Gallants 2-1 in their 2024/25 season opener, but Nabi stressed that there is still much work to be done, even though he admitted that things are “cooking.”
As he looks to end Amakhosi’s nine-year trophy drought, the highly-rated Tunisian tactician remains focused on the long-term goals and knows that there are still many challenges ahead.
In Nabi’s first official game at the helm against Gallants, Chiefs showcased their fighting spirit, coming from behind to secure the three points in Bloemfontein.
Sekela Sithole had given Gallants the lead, but goals from young duo Mfundo Vilakazi [18] and Mduduzi Shabalala [20] turned the game around for Chiefs.
The victory also marked the first time Chiefs have won their season opener since the 2019/20 campaign.
NABI EXPLAINS CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM AFTER CHIEFS WIN
The match was a testament to the unwavering support of the Chiefs faithful. A packed Free State Stadium forced a 15-minute delay to kickoff, a clear indication of the fervent anticipation surrounding Nabi’s tenure. The club’s recent struggles, including a disappointing 10th-place finish last season, have only intensified the fans’ desire for success.”
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The best thing from tonight’s [Saturday] game is the three points, the spirit, winning attitude and seeing new players in action, I’m very happy but we really have too much work to do, we are cooking,” said Nabi on SuperSport TV.
“Please give me time, this is a lovely club, lovely fans, I need time to cook and I promo to cook with this big team but it was difficult today and I’m not happy about a lot of things.
“It is good to win the first game for the morale of the players and the fans but I have too much work. Yes I’m happy and congratulations to the boys but I need another one for Kaizer Chiefs, take them to the next level, we need to work to see progress.