Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi says his first task upon appointment was to eliminate a poor trait in the first team affecting the club’s youngsters.
Nabi has brought new energy into Naturena Village, from seating settings during sharing meals, training methods, and a different way of thinking alongside his technical team of Khalil Ben Youssef, Majdi Safi, Ilyez Mzoughi and the team of analysts.
It’s down to the minor details to create a lift in morale for a squad that finished 10th, their worst finish in Premier Soccer League history.
“I was watching the players, seven to six months, before I came and on my own I had a report on the strengths and weaknesses of players,” he said when asked by iDiski Times about the changes he’s made within the squad.
“I had a very precise idea of the general state of the team and different payers that are part of the team. There were challenges at all levels I think.
“We cannot mention all of it here, it was a mental aspect that was really failing, when the mental state is not there, the rest, the tactical and physical aspect will not follow through.”
The club’s supporters were left surprised when his assistant coach Fernando da Cruz left the club for a return to Morocco, but on Thursday the arrival of Cedric Kaze, who Nabi worked alongside to secure double domestic trebles with Young Africans, has been roped in to replace the Frenchman.
Nabi went on to state there was specific traits he didn’t like, which he noted from studying the team before his arrival.
“The deficit, in mentality, includes, character, winning mentality, the reactions when you lose, all this composes of what I’m talking about, it all affected the young players who were trying to break into the first team,” he continued.
“When the seniors act like that, it affects the young players who are willing, or hoping to join the first team. This point is very important. You have very big young talent in Kaizer Chiefs, the impact…
“We have big value for young players if the impact of negative mentality, you have danger to impact negatively the character of the youngsters. For myself it’s a big danger, thank you God for a new season and all the players have the willingness to change and do something new.
“An example to give; is where we conceded the first goal against Marumo. Before the players would be head down… we spoke to the players to be courageous and increase or double their efforts to get results.
“Which is a very good example of the change of character and mentality of my players.”
Chiefs get back to action on Saturday evening in the last-16 of the Carling Knockout when they take on SuperSport United at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
