Nabi calm amidst Mfundo Vilakazi injury concerns, as anticipation builds for the next exciting encounter.
Kaizer Chiefs head coach eagerly anticipates another thrilling showdown against Mamelodi Sundowns this Saturday. The two teams meet for the second time this season, following a competitive 2-1 loss for Chiefs at FNB Stadium earlier. With both teams eyeing the Carling Knockout title, the stakes couldn’t be higher in what promises to be a sold-out stadium.
Nabi remarked, “If you remember the last game against Mamelodi Sundowns, it was a… I feel like it was a good game of football with entertainment, technical and tactical on both sides.” His optimism sets the stage for a captivating match as both teams strive to secure victory and advance.
Pressure of high expectations
With the winner likely to contend for the knockout title, Nabi understands the pressure but maintains a confident outlook. “Sundowns are one of the biggest teams in Africa over the last years, it doesn’t take what we are Chiefs, we come in with confidence and we will do everything to win this game [to get into the semi-finals]. We are confident in our abilities for Saturday,” he stated, underscoring the determination of his squad.
Despite recent struggles with conceding early goals, Nabi dismisses any concerns. He explains, “About the nerves, there’s nothing, not nerves, sometimes they look at the bench because they are looking for some encouragement because probably what happened in the game wasn’t planned.” This insight reveals the strong bond between the technical staff and players as they prepare for the crucial encounter.
Injury updates: Key players returning
Nabi also provided positive news regarding the team’s injury situation. George Matlou and Mduduzi Mdantsane have returned to training, while Mfundo Vilakazi did not sustain a serious injury. Earlier in July, Chiefs announced that Mdantsane had suffered a broken jaw from a motor vehicle accident and was expected to be sidelined for three months. Matlou underwent knee surgery and has been recovering since last season.
“It’s true that those players have been injured for quite some time, all of them are done with the injury, and now recovering, integrating with the group, training but we need to be careful how we integrate them,” Nabi noted. He emphasized the importance of gradually reintroducing players to match fitness.
Calm amid concerns for Vilakazi
Addressing concerns about teenage sensation Mfundo Vilakazi, who left the field limping during the recent 2-2 draw with Magesi, Nabi reassured fans. “Mfundo, we don’t believe that it’s an injury. It was just cramps from fatigue. He ran a lot and we believe he will be fine,” he said, easing fears about the young player’s condition.
As the clock ticks down to the highly anticipated match in Soweto at 18:00. All eyes will be on Kaizer Chiefs as they aim to secure a vital win against their formidable rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns.
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