Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has spoken out following the team’s heavy 4-1 defeat to SuperSport United at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night, just three days after their dominant 3-0 win over Chippa United in the Nedbank Cup.
Addressing the setback, Nabi acknowledged the team’s struggles and the impact of a hectic schedule on their performance. He admitted that the game felt difficult from the start, with his squad not at their best.
“It was a very tough match from the first minute. We could tell it wasn’t our night. I don’t want to make excuses, but we didn’t have enough time to recover—only two days—while the other team had at least a week to rest. It was a deserved defeat. Mentally, we weren’t at the level we should’ve been, and we cracked under pressure. The result is painful,” Nabi said in his post-match comments.
Nabi also urged fans not to judge the team based on just one disappointing performance, reminding them that setbacks are part of football.
“I want to address the fans because I take full responsibility. I know today’s result hurts, and it hurts me too. But this isn’t the match to judge our team’s overall potential. Every team faces these kinds of accidents. It’s impossible to go from being a strong team one match to being weak just days later,” he added.
Despite the painful loss, Nabi defended his players, understanding the toll the demanding schedule had taken.
“I get it, and I know they gave their best in the previous games. They were simply tired,” he explained.
In closing, Nabi appealed to fans to support the team through both good and bad times.
“I ask you to continue supporting us, as you have in the happy times, even in the tough times,” he said.
Though the loss was disappointing, Nabi remains optimistic that the team will recover and look to bounce back stronger in their next match.
