In a thrilling encounter at FNB Stadium, Kaizer Chiefs showcased their resilience by coming from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday evening.
The win marked the club’s fifth triumph of the league season.
However, coach Nasreddine Nabi remained grounded, asserting that the team are still in a rebuilding phase.
The match sparked into life when Stellenbosch’s Khomotjo Lekoloane struck first in the 20th minute, leaving the Glamour Boys trailing.
Just eight minutes later, Wandile Duba pulled the score level, igniting hopes of a victory amongst the home crowd.
Duba then turned the tide decisively for the Amakhosi, netting the winner in the 57th minute and sealing the comeback.
Following the match, Nabi reflected on the challenges still facing the squad, stating: “My mission here is to build a good team, and in this process, we can lose, we can win like today.
“But we have to be realistic and (not) get over-excited because we won. We still have a lot of work to do.”
90 + 5’| #KC 2 : 1 #ST
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) January 8, 2025
Full time score: (Duba 28’ 57’) Kaizer Chiefs 2 : 1 Stellenbosch FC (Lekoloane 20’)
Betway Man of the Match: Wandile Duba#Amakhosi4Life #AlwaysHome #BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/r8cZB2yKN5
The experienced coach acknowledged the frustrations harboured by loyal fans, but was keen to defend the club against critics, suggesting that discontent sometimes stemmed from outsiders.
“We believe that our supporters have the right to be frustrated when the results are not there, but we have to understand that sometimes it’s other people who push the agenda as they don’t want the club to succeed,” he remarked.
Admitting the match was physically and emotionally taxing on his players, Nabi praised the character they demonstrated, especially following a demanding previous game against Cape Town City, which they lost 1-0 last Sunday.
“First of all, I’d like to congratulate the players that have shown a lot of character against a very good team of Stellenbosch. It wasn’t easy to come back from a goal down and win the game,” he said.
Despite the difficult circumstances, including fatigue from travel and a gruelling schedule, Nabi highlighted the mental fortitude demonstrated by his squad.
“The quality of play on ourselves was not consistently good, but there were times that we were better than the others,” he stated.
“Even at halftime, a couple of players were asking to be subbed off, but at the end, everybody fought for the badge and the club,” he added.
Nabi made two bizarre personnel changes inside the first 30 minutes, substituting Bradley Cross and Ashley du Preez.
The Tunisian tactician explained that the tactical adjustments were necessary following a slow start by his side, one that resulted in their opponents gaining the advantage.
𝗜𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗟𝗘 𝗗𝗨𝗕𝗔 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗪
— Sahil Ebrahim (@sahil_e_) January 8, 2025
Wandile Duba scores his 2nd of the night to put Kaizer Chiefs ahead against Stellenbosch FC.
Cool and calm finish by the 20 year old after being slipped in by Mfundo Vilakazi.
60 mins gone
Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 Stellenbosch FC pic.twitter.com/L6XUIkQyEH
“Tactically, we felt that the first half, we didn’t enter the game well after the opportunity that we missed... Unfortunately, they scored a goal on us when we were going to make the tactical change,” he articulated.
Following Stellies’ goal, their tactical shift ultimately proved effective, bringing further balance to the team’s play and guiding them to victory.
Chiefs are now fifth on the Betway Premiership standings, just four points off third-placed Polokwane City.
With the victory now secured, Chiefs have shifted their focus to the upcoming clash against Golden Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, planning to build on their recent success. | Independent Media Sport