Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has shed light on what motivated him to field experienced players in his starting eleven instead of promising youngsters.
Kaizer Chiefs DDC graduate Mfundo Vilakazi is a prime example of a promising youngster who has not been enjoying much game time since Nabi took over as head coach of Amakhosi as the Tunisian has opted to start with Gaston Sirino or Wandile Duba on the right wing.
With Chiefs recently acquiring 27-year-old Congolese international Makabi Lilepo who has been featured in the starting lineup in the recent two matches, it looks like the odds are not in favour of Vilakazi starting any time soon.
Speaking during the Nedbank Cup press conference, The Tunisian tactician admitted that he has been experimenting with the veterans lately to motivate the young players to perform to a certain level.
“It’s true that we’ve (recently) played more experienced players (in the last games). But in every process of building, you want to have experienced players, playing alongside the youngsters. In the same breath, you must try to get results because the youngsters need to see that the level that they need to get to is not yet there,” he said through a translator.
“They must still work harder to reach a certain level. Let’s say (Gaston) Sirino or whoever else is going to bring up their performance. If they feel that their spot on the field is guaranteed then the players tend to relax, thinking ‘I am going to play because I am the best. The level is then not going to improve.
“But right now, we have very experienced players who are bringing the level up, and that’s going to challenge the young ones to try to compete and when that competition is there then we hope that the performance of everyone is going to improve,” Nabi concluded.
The Glamour Boys are currently sitting sixth on the log with 25 points having struggled with consistency.
They have a chance to take a step closer towards ending the decade-long trophy drought when they take on Chippa United in the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup on Saturday, 15 February, at FNB Stadium.