Fiercely defiant Nabie: No Top 8 for Chiefs, so what?

COACH Nasreddine Nabi has had enough of the growing chorus of criticism directed at him following Kaizer Chiefs' latest failure missing out on next season's MTN8 competition.

- HERMAN GIBBS

Nabi’s fierce defiance emerged in the post-match media interview after Chiefs’ frustrating goalless draw against the lesser-fancied Polokwane City at the FNB Stadium on Saturday. It was Chiefs’ final Betway Premiership match of the season, and their last opportunity to secure a season-ending top-eight finish.

While answering questions, Nabi outlined the challenges his "project" had faced, but also reminded the media of the Nedbank Cup triumph he secured last week — the club’s first piece of silverware in a decade.

The under-fire coach acknowledged that failing to reach the Top 8 had invited scrutiny from his critics.

“I regret we are not in the MTN8. It would be better to be in the MTN8, but it is a process,” said Nabi.

“I am sorry, but I will not be influenced by today’s result. It undermines what the team has achieved this season.