Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi expressed frustration after his side went down 2-1 to Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Chiefs had taken an early lead through Makabi Lilepo, but Pirates hit back with goals from Evidence Makgopa and youngster Relebohile Mofokeng to snatch all three points. The win means the Buccaneers have now done the double over Amakhosi for two straight seasons.
After the game, Nabi was left questioning a key refereeing decision. With Chiefs leading 1-0, Mduduzi Shabalala looked to have been fouled in the box by Pirates’ Mbekezeli Mbokazi, but referee Eugene Mdluli waved play on. Nabi strongly believes a penalty should have been awarded and that it could have changed the outcome of the match.
“I don’t think it’s a mental issue. We were leading and there was a clear penalty that wasn’t given. That moment could have shifted the entire game,” he told SuperSport TV.
Looking at the bigger picture, Nabi admitted his team contributed to their own downfall. “We made individual errors that allowed them back in. In truth, we handed them the win,” he said.
The result leaves Kaizer Chiefs in ninth place on the Betway Premiership log, with 12 losses in 26 games—a disappointing return for a club of their stature. They must now win their remaining two matches to stand any chance of finishing in the top eight. Nabi’s debut season has been far from ideal, with only eight league victories recorded so far.
