No need to panic: Nabi urges calm after Kaizer Chiefs’ defeat to Sekhukhune
Calm: Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has called for calm after they were defeated by Sekhukhune United in Tuesday night’s Betway Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has sought to put out the fires after his team went down 3-1 to Sekhukhune United on Tuesday night.
The result ended Amakhosi’s unbeaten start to the Betway Premiership campaign, as well as their record run of five consecutive clean sheets.
Last season, Chiefs often outplayed their opponents but struggled to convert chances, leaving valuable points on the table.
This term, they sought to address that by signing proven goalscorers. Flavio Silva scored once again, his second in two games, but it wasn’t enough. Chiefs created more opportunities against Sekhukhune and dominated possession at times, yet they still fell short.
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Looking ahead, Nabi can take some solace from the new additions to his squad. Etiosa Ighodaro, Asanele Velebayi, Luke Baartman, Lebo Maboe, and Khanyisa Mayo have the potential to make a real impact, though they are yet to feature in games.
If they can contribute as expected, Chiefs’ attacking woes may soon be a thing of the past.
Naturally, the reaction from fans after such a result is to push the panic button. But Nabi has called for calm, saying: “There is no need to panic”.
Speaking to the media afterwards about the result against “a difficult opponent”, the Tunisian said: “I feel we made a lot of mistakes that led to goals. Sekhukhune posed us a lot of problems, especially in transition and with long balls that we couldn’t deal with.
“We were not good enough today, even in our offensive game. We created some opportunities but it wasn’t good enough to control the game or to be in front. I don’t think there is any need to panic. We just need to learn from our mistakes and go into the next game with more conviction and concentration. Sekhukhune deserved the three points today,” Nabi said, as quoted by HollywoodBets.
Nabi’s measured response highlights a coach focused on long-term stability rather than knee-jerk reactions. While Sekhukhune celebrated a deserved win, Chiefs’ immediate priority should be to learn from the defeat and build on their potential.
One loss does not define a season, and with a few key signings yet to feature, Amakhosi still have the tools to regain momentum. For Nabi, composure and patience may prove just as important as goals in the race ahead.
IOL Sport