Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has dismissed the notion that his team’s recent difficulties stem from bad luck, instead emphasizing the need to take control of their destiny.
On Saturday, the team managed only a 1-1 draw against TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership, adding to their struggles. Currently, they sit precariously in the Top 8, just one point ahead of ninth-placed Chippa United.
That being said, with two games in hand, Chippa poses a serious threat to overtaking Chiefs, potentially pushing them out of the Top 8 for the second consecutive season.
Read: Wasted chances are killing Kaizer Chiefs – Nasreddine Nabi
This is particularly troubling for a team that brought Nabi in to lead a much-needed rebuild and deliver positive results. Despite the frustration of seeing potential points slip away, Nabi is calling on his players to take matters into their own hands, rather than relying on luck.
“We’re not looking for luck; we’re creating our own destiny,” Nabi declared. “The players are giving their all, but we have to ensure that we’re sharper, more clinical, and focus on finishing the games stronger. We’ve been unlucky at times, but ultimately, it’s about what we do on the pitch.”
The coming weeks are pivotal for Chiefs. With their hopes of ending a decade-long trophy drought hanging in the balance, their match against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday will be a defining moment. A win could catapult them toward their first trophy since 2015, while also securing a coveted spot in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
However, Nabi knows that to achieve these ambitions, his squad must eradicate the mistakes that have plagued them all season. Despite their possession and dominance, Chiefs have often allowed opponents to claw their way back into games, dropping points that they should have comfortably secured.
“Every time we don’t kill off a match, we leave the door open for the opponent,” Nabi explained. “Against Galaxy, we were in control, but mistakes in critical moments allowed them to come back. It’s frustrating, and we need to finish those chances to seal the game.”
The pressure mounts as Chiefs head into the showdown with Sundowns, with a growing injury list adding to their woes. Centre-backs Inacio Miguel and Rushwin Dortley are both doubts for the match. Dortley has been sidelined with an injury for some time, while Miguel sustained a knock against Galaxy and was forced to leave the field early.
Nabi, however, remains calm about the situation, awaiting a final medical report before making any decisions regarding their availability for Sunday’s clash.
“We’ll see how they’re doing after assessments from the medical team,” said Nabi. “Miguel tried to continue after his knock, but he couldn’t manage. It’s important that we make decisions based on what’s best for the player’s health and the team.”
With the season entering its final stretch, Nabi knows that the team must take it one match at a time, focusing on what they can control. If they can eliminate errors, assert more dominance, and take their chances, the luck they’ve been chasing might just follow.
“It’s about believing in ourselves, grinding through the tough times, and being consistent,” Nabi said. “The next few games will tell us where we truly stand.”