Speaking to the assembled media after kicking off his tenure as head coach of Kaizer Chiefs with a 2-1 victory over Marumo Gallants in the opening match of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season, Coach Nasreddine Nabi expressed his satisfaction at the outcome.

His overall thoughts on the match

It was a well-contested match, very aggressively disputed. We had a lot of positive moments that unfortunately we did not convert into goals. We are very happy with the winning attitude of the players but there is still a lot to be done.

Our opponents also had good moments and we congratulate them for that, but I think our win was well-deserved considering the number of chances we created.

On making game-changing substitutions
It’s part of the coaching job. You need to be focused on what is going on in the game and make the right decision at the right moment. Sometimes you have to take a risk, like we did in the last 15 minutes to try to win the game, but it’s a normal part of the job for a coach. It was a measured risk.

On the performance of the Club’s new signings
I am very happy with all the new players who played today but I don’t want to speak about it too much yet because it’s still early. Coaching this Club is a big responsibility and I want to thank the Kaizer Chiefs management for bringing in these new players and giving me the “green card” work with and I am happy with a good start.

On the impact made by Mfundo Vilakazi
I love Vilakazi; he’s like a son to me, but I have to protect him. He’s not starting yet because I am protecting him from all the attention because he is a huge talent and he needs to understand that when you start for Kaizer Chiefs it takes a big sacrifice. So, I must protect my young talented players. I am very happy for him but I also want him to remain grounded and work even harder.

On what changes he has noticed since last season

The most pleasing difference I see in the team from last season is the winning attitude of the players. Before, if they conceded a goal, heads would drop. This is an important change in culture, which I am very happy about.

On the atmosphere at the Toyota stadium

It was a beautiful atmosphere. I loved it but I know that we must have good results to keep it like that. South Africa is a big football country and made a great atmosphere in the stadium.

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Amakhosi’s next assignment is a trip to Durban to face AmaZulu on 25 September.