Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi remonstrates with the match officials during the Mamelodi Sundowns clash. Photo: BackpagePix
After their sterling performance on Saturday, firebrand Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi believes Kaizer Chiefs are equipped with the natural dynamics to rattle the cage of the great Mamelodi Sundowns team.
Chiefs lost 2-1 to Sundowns in a Premiership clash at Soccer City on Saturday, but were far from being outplayed by the Brazilians, who underlined their lofty standing in South African football when they wrapped up a seventh successive league title at the end of last season.
It was one of Chiefs’ best performances for some time. The 83 000 spectators at the match roared their delight at regular intervals as they were pleasantly surprised.
However, Nabi said the crowd-pleasing performance was fundamental to South Africa’s most popular club as he toned down the post-match praise.
“I didn’t come up with a new strategy. This is the DNA of Kaizer Chiefs, but maybe I awakened the slumber,” said Nabi.
“It’s normal if you are a player in Kaizer Chiefs, you have a specific DNA. Chiefs have specific characteristics, and personalities, and dislike losing. You want to win every time and you have a winning mentality.”
Saturday’s blockbuster produced its fair share of controversy bound to hog the headlines.
Chiefs did not enjoy the rub of the green on the day. Referee Sikhumbuzo Gasa and his assistants were escorted off the field after angry fans threw objects in their direction.
The two most contentious calls were Sundowns’ second goal by Iqraam Rayners and the disallowed goal by Chiefs defender Inacio Miguel.
After Rayners’ goal, the Chiefs technical staff produced an iPad with footage that showed Rayners had been supplied with a pass from Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who was in an offside position.
But Gasa ordered Chiefs to take the iPad off the field.
Miguel’s disallowed goal came towards the end of the match when Sundowns were leading 2-1. It brought tempers to a boiling point in the Chiefs dugout, while thousands of fractious fans yelled abuse at officials.
WE 💛 YOUR support! You bring the #AmakhosiSpirit, you are the voice that drives us ❤️✌🏾.
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) September 29, 2024
Wherever we go, we are #AlwaysHome
Thank you MaKhosi Amahle!#Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/rK77lvwGpH
The real problem was that the officials did not make it clear why the goal was disallowed, and it was generally accepted that the scorer was adjudged to be offside.
However, it later emerged that Miguel had fouled a Sundowns player in an off-the-ball incident moments before scoring.
It was something the assistant referee had picked up and consequently waved his flag. The referee, it must be noted, blew his whistle just before Miguel scored.
Nabi initially refused to be drawn into a debate about the officiating, but later relented.
“I don’t talk about referees. It’s not my speciality. The specialists and analysts will talk about that,’’ said Nabi, but relented when media questions followed.
“All the people tell me the second goal is offside. It is a clear offside. I’m surprised in South Africa we don’t work with VAR.
“It’s impossible to run leagues in Morocco, Tunisia, or elsewhere in north Africa (without VAR). In a big country like South Africa, with a big federation and national team, we don’t work with VAR.”
Nabi said all he wished for was fairness, he did not want officials to make decisions in favour of the Amakhosi.
“We talked to the referee to say the goal was a big offside – two metres. I don’t need a gift (goal). He (the referee) needs to respect the rules of the game. I don’t need any help from the referees.
“This is not an excuse (because Chiefs lost). If I lose, I lose ... I continue cooking.”
The Premiership will now have a month’s break due to international fixtures and the MTN8 final, and Chiefs’ next match will be against SuperSport United on October 26.