Chiefs ready for a pivotal campaign as they kick-off against Stellies

KAIZER Chiefs will enter a make-or-break season under coach Nasreddine Nabi, which is why the players need to blend quickly and hit the ground running.

- MIHLALI BALEKA.

Chiefs finished ninth in the Betway Premiership last season, a disappointing result given their high hopes for the campaign.

So despite winning the Nedbank Cup and ending their 10-year trophy drought, there were still calls for Nabi to be sacked.

However, the management decided to retain the Tunisia-born coach, backing him with adequate preparations and squad depth.

Chiefs toured the Netherlands last month, playing five training matches against Dutch outfits. They lost four and won one.

The club also strengthened the squad with six new players: Siphesihle Ndlovu, Ethan Chislett, Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako, Flavio Silva, and Nkanyiso Shinga.

Silva, however, faced criticism for his performances in the Netherlands, as the Portugal-born striker appeared out of sorts in the final third.

Nabi said he was surprised to hear such reports and has backed the 29-year-old to adapt in time.