New Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has explained why he didn’t substitute young Nkosana Mbuthu despite his costly mistake in the first half.
Mbuthu, 18, is the son of former Chiefs midfielder, Patrick ‘Ace’ Mbuthu and previously played for Chiefs’ Diski Challenge team.
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However, on Sunday the attacking midfielder was a surprise starter out of position at left-back amid the club’s injury-crisis in the position after Bongani Sam and Edmilson Dove picked up injuries in Turkiye.
Mbuthu gave the ball away ahead of Young Africans’ second goal just before the half-time break in their 4-0 defeat to the Tanzanian champions. However, Nabi insisted mistakes are part of football and he didn’t want to kill his confidence by taking him off.
“Mbuthu is a young players. I’m sure he’s a big player in the future,” he told SuperSport TV.
“I don’t a left-back and he’s left foot. It’s normal, it’s a new type of friendly game for him.
“I didn’t take him out because I want to give him confidence. I’m happy with his performance.
“Yes, he lost the ball before the goal but it’s normal, it’s football. But if I take him out, I kill him directly.
“It’s my responsibility to protect him and to help him to progress for the future.”
