KAIZER Chiefs might have controversially lost to Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 over the weekend, but what stood out for me was the packed FNB Stadium, during the Betway PSL League clash.
Yes, there were incidents of bottles being thrown on the pitch that disrupted the game after AmaKhosi’s disallowed goal in the second stanza, to get an equalizer.
It might have not been a sold-out affair, but everyone knows whenever and wherever Chiefs play; expect a resounding attendance. Katching…
The vuvulzelas, ululations, camaraderie and palpable excitement was written on faces of the young and old, white or black. Rainbow nation at work!
Traffic was a nightmare but that was a last thing in the minds of fans.
Yes, the host (Chiefs) made Downs sweat for this victory after years’ of suffering and one must admit it was a good advertisement for soccer in the country, and for new league sponsors Betway.
Coach Nasreddine ‘Mr Cap’ Nabi, should be proud of changes he and technical team have implemented in the club, hence the change of attitude and responsibility to take ownership by players now.
Nabi did not want to take credit for the attitude in the players’ but said “awakened what was on the slumber” albeit very upset by the unfortunate loss.
“I didn’t come up with any new strategy. This is the DNA of Kaizer Chiefs. Maybe I have awakened what was on the slumber. It’s normal that if you are playing for Kaizer Chiefs, you have a specific DNA and characteristics, character and personality. You dislike losing,” remarked the Tunisian.
“After Sundowns’ goal, we observed that some players dropped their heads, the demons of last year, of giving up too early perhaps came back. I don’t accept that. It’s possible to concede a goal but if you concede and drop your head, I don’t accept that. I have not changed anything because I am in the first step in my strategy.”
He did not want to be drawn on the officiating, suffice to say “I don’t talk about referees. It’s not my speciality. The specialists and analysts will talk about that,” said the visibly irritated coach.
Hate AmaKhosi at your own peril, because they will improve your economy wherever they’re!
In the immortalised words of the legendary commentator Cebo “CC“ Manyaapelo (may his soul continue to rest eternally in Peace) ‘football ga ena therefore’.
Image (Frustrated. Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi, having a go at the officials after his charges lost 2-1 to Downs at FNB Stadium, on Saturday afternoon).
