Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has expressed his admiration for his old team after their 2-1 triumph over Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final, which ended a 10-year trophy drought for the club. Goals from Gaston Sirino and Yusuf Maart sealed the victory. Khanye, who had predicted Chiefs would lose, faced backlash from the club’s supporters following the match.
The 38-year-old analyst has often been critical of Chiefs, particularly when it comes to their coaching choices. Reflecting on the final, Khanye admitted that while Chiefs didn’t play their best football, they showed determination and grit, which was crucial in securing the win. He stated, “You can’t win ugly in three finals and claim your game plan works; it didn’t. Chiefs didn’t play well, but they were full of energy and showed character. I think this game meant a lot to the players, and it was their character that won it for them.”
Khanye also acknowledged the tactical decisions of coach Nabi, particularly his choice to bring on Mdu Shabalala, who made a significant impact by running behind the Orlando Pirates defense. “Credit to Nabi for reading the game and bringing in Shabalala,” said Khanye. “Well done to the boy; this is what we want to see from him. He changed the game.”
While Khanye praised Chiefs for their victory, he still expressed doubts about Nabi being the right long-term coach for the club.
