Coach Nasreddine Nabi faces another big challenge in his short tenure when he sends his team out to play Mamelodi Sundowns in the first mega-clash of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season at FNB stadium on Saturday, in his debut appearance in front of the Club’s home fans as head coach of Kaizer Chiefs.

Boasting a perfect record after two matches, both away from home, Amakhosi welcome the defending champions with a measured sense of confidence, despite having no time to train properly after returning from their impressive 3-1 victory over AmaZulu at the Moses Mabhida stadium in midweek.

“We have no casualties from Wednesday but with the travelling back from Durban, the turnaround time between games has been very short and Sundowns have had one day more than us to rest, so we have barely any time to work on anything. It has all been about rest and recovery,” the Tunisian coach told www.kaizerchiefs.com.

Nabi revealed that he has no special plan for The Brazilians, preferring to focus on implementing the methods he employs to bring out the best in his own team rather than a reactionary approach to trying to neutralise the opposition.

“For us, it’s not about Sundowns specifically as much as it is about facing an opponent and we prepare according to how we want to play no matter who we play against,” he explained, adding, “However, as we do with our preparation to face any opponents, we have analysed their form so far this season.”

With excitement building to fever pitch all over the country in anticipation of this mouth-watering encounter between two massive domestic footballing institutions, the pressure on the players to claim the three priceless points on offer and deliver happiness to their passionate fans also increases. Coach Nabi, though, takes a different view by embracing the pressure as a form of inspiration.

“It is actually easier to prepare for these big matches because everyone is up for it. Players look forward to these matches the most and no extra motivation is needed; our team is ready,” he said, “I hope it will be a good game and that we can go into the international break with three wins out of three.”

The near sold-out match between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns is set to take place on Saturday, 28 September 2024, at FNB stadium. Gates will open at 12:00, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00. The game will be broadcast live on SuperSport’s PSL Channel 202 on DStv, SABC 1 and SABC radio stations.

Supporters are encouraged to arrive early to avoid heavy traffic and congestion at the gates.