Chiefs' Nabi hits back at criticism

KAIZER Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi remains calm despite his side’s underwhelming preseason campaign, insisting that friendly matches are strictly for preparation and not a cause for panic.

- SMISO MSOMI

Amakhosi lost 3-2 on penalties to Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko in the second edition of the Toyota Cup on Saturday at Moses Mabhida Stadium — a result that left many questioning the Soweto giants’ readiness for the new season.

Chiefs have won just once in six preseason outings, a run that includes a tough four-game tour of The Netherlands. But ahead of their Betway Premiership opener against Stellenbosch FC on August 10, Nabi maintains the results are irrelevant at this stage.

“We are in preseason, and the objectives of this preseason are detailed and predetermined,” Nabi said when asked about the worrying results.

“The objective of this game is not the result. I understand why you are asking the question, but the objective of this friendly was not the result on the scoreboard.”