Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has expressed his satisfaction with the performances of newly signed duo Thabo Cele and Glody Lilepo in the sold-out Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates.
Cele and Lilepo made their debuts in the 51st and 60th minutes, respectively, showcasing promising quality despite limited playing time. Nabi acknowledged their impressive display, considering they had only trained for four days after long trips from Europe.
“I believe that, for the time they were on the field, they showed some good quality,” Nabi told journalists. “But you have to understand that they only trained for four days after long trips from Europe. They were not training regularly before they came, but in the few minutes that they played, you can see there is qualify in them.
“We are happy with the players that came on. We take this opportunity to thank the management and the board for those signings.”
Nabi is confident that Cele and Lilepo will significantly contribute to the team’s success in the future. With injured players Ashley Du Preez and Wandile Duba sidelined, the new signings are eager for another opportunity to prove themselves in the Betway Premiership.
Orlando Pirates broke Kaizer Chiefs’ hearts with a last-minute penalty converted by Patrick Maswanganyi, sealing a 1-0 victory in a thrilling Soweto Derby.
Tashreeq Morris, who missed the fixture as he served his suspension, is poised to make his debut on Tuesday when Kaizer Chiefs hosts AmaZulu FC at FNB Stadium. Kick off in Soweto is scheduled for 19:30.