Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has shared his thoughts on the ongoing issue of showboating in South African football, acknowledging that while it can be entertaining, it is often inefficient and detracts from the team’s focus on scoring goals. He praised Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos for his efforts in reshaping South Africa’s football mentality, stating that Broos has made strides in modifying the “South African DNA” to better suit modern football demands.
Nabi emphasized the need to balance South Africa’s flair and spectacle with the practical aspects of the game, suggesting that showboating sometimes compromises efficiency and focus. He reflected on how, in certain situations, players become distracted by performing tricks or flashy skills rather than concentrating on securing results. He pointed to a past match between Uganda and Bafana Bafana, where after taking the lead, the team lost focus and let their performance slip.
The coach highlighted that while South African football has an exciting, skillful style, there needs to be a shift towards a more pragmatic approach. Nabi’s goal is to instill a mindset where players remain focused on the ultimate objective—winning—without getting caught up in unnecessary displays. This focus on efficiency, he believes, is key to improving the overall standard of the game in South Africa, both at club and national levels.
