New Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi held his first official press conference in his new role as Amakhosi coach.
Chiefs returned to South Africa from their trip to Turkiye on Wednesday and are set to face Young Africans SC in the inaugural Toyota Cup in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
Nabi had himself only joined his new side in Turkiye and touched down on South African for the first time in his Chiefs role this week.
Ahead of the match, Nabi met local media for the first time and took the chance to officially thank the leaders of the club.
“I would like to thank the owner of the club, Mr Kaizer Motaung, Jessica, Khemiso, Mr Bobby and Kaizer Jr for their warm welcome,” he said on Friday.
“I’d also like to thank all Kaizer Chiefs fans for their warm welcome at the airport and I’ll do my best to reward them for the warm welcome with a great season this year.”
Nabi then explained why he insisted on taking his new squad to Turkiye, saying it was important get to know each other without the pressure of being in Mzansi.
“I would like to thank Mr Kaizer Jr. for allowing us to travel to Turkiye for the camp,” he added.
“It was very successful, it was also very important to get away from Johannesburg, from the pressure, especially after the way the season ended.
“It was also important for the new staff to meet the players and adjust together. It was very successful.
“We played a few games against several teams in Turkiye. The games weren’t to ease expectations or how he wanted it to be, however as the time goes in this month, the pace will pick up and it will be what I want out them.”
Chiefs face Tanzanian champions Yanga in the Toyota Cup at FreeState Stadium on Sunday at 15:00.
Story by Lorenz Kohler (@Lorenz_KO) and David Kappel (@kappilinho).
