Kaizer Chiefs defender Given Msimango has addressed the comments made by head coach Nasreddine Nabi following their 1-1 draw against TS Galaxy in December. The match, which ended in a frustrating draw for the Soweto giants, left Nabi voicing concerns over the quality of players in his squad, particularly questioning whether they were at the required level for a team with Kaizer Chiefs’ aspirations.
In his post-match remarks, Nabi suggested that some players in the squad might not be performing to the level expected by the club, which has seen fluctuating results this season. He emphasized the need for players who could match the high standards and ambitions of Kaizer Chiefs, indicating that there were individuals who might not be up to the task.
Responding to Nabi’s somewhat controversial comments, Msimango, who has been a consistent figure in the Chiefs defense, admitted that the team’s performance against TS Galaxy was below par but took a more diplomatic approach in his reply. Msimango acknowledged that there were moments in the match where Chiefs fell short, but he also pointed out that it was important for the squad to stay united and focused on improving.

“While I understand the coach’s frustrations, we all know that we need to do better,” Msimango said. “We have a big responsibility to the club and the supporters, and everyone needs to pull their weight. It’s not just about individual performances, it’s about how we come together as a team. We know we can do better, and we are working hard to fix things.”
The 24-year-old defender also emphasized that the players themselves are aware of the need to raise their level of performance, stating that the squad is focused on learning from their mistakes and moving forward with a positive mindset. He also reiterated the importance of remaining professional and dealing with criticism constructively.
“At Chiefs, we understand the pressure and expectations, but we also know that we have to take accountability for our performances,” Msimango continued. “As players, we must be committed to constantly improving, and that’s what we’re doing.”
Despite the draw against TS Galaxy, Msimango remained optimistic about the team’s potential, expressing confidence that they could turn things around. “We have a strong squad, and we know that with hard work and unity, we can achieve great things,” he said.
Kaizer Chiefs’ performances this season have been inconsistent, with some matches showing signs of improvement, while others have highlighted weaknesses in key areas of the team. Nabi’s comments reflect the pressure on the squad to deliver better results, especially given Chiefs’ ambitions to challenge for top honors in the Premier Soccer League.
Msimango’s response suggests that the players are not only aware of the criticisms but are also determined to prove themselves in the coming weeks. As the team prepares for their upcoming fixtures, Chiefs fans will be hoping that the players can put their frustrations behind them and demonstrate the kind of performance expected of one of South Africa’s biggest football clubs.