Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi stresses the urgent need for a specialist left-back to enhance team balance and quality - 'The one who plays there is someone who was there first'

Kaizer Chiefs have endured a disappointing season so far, but with 13 games remaining, they aim to turn things around and secure a respectable finish.

Defensively, Amakhosi have struggled, conceding 19 goals, making them one of the leakiest sides in the league.

Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi, as reported by SABC Sport, has emphasised the need to bring in a specialist left-back to restore balance to the defence.

While their title hopes are fading, Nabi is already planning for the next season and looking to reinforce key areas.

He recently confirmed that he will not pursue the Tunisia national team job, reaffirming his full commitment to the Chiefs project.

His goal remains to rebuild the club and return them to their former glory.

"If there is an opportunity or a transfer window that we get a chance to strengthen the team, we feel we are in the right direction even if we were not consistent," said Nabi as reported by SABC Sports.

"We feel that, for example, we should have had a left-back that is a specialist in his position, the one who plays there – even though he plays amazingly well – is someone who was there first and it was a case of, 'Let's try him to see how he does.'

"But overall, we believe that going to the end of the season, we feel we are in the right space with the right ingredients to do something good."

"Majority of the games I choose to play my game model, which corresponds with the DNA of Kaizer Chiefs – going high offensive, and maybe I don't have all the material for that kind of football," he added.

"Some people say, 'Ah, if you park the bus and play helicopter football, the people will kill you.' No, if you are correct or not correct, sometimes I maybe attack too much hey.

"But thank you God, I don't know the English, I don't go on social media like that, so I save myself. Generally I want to put on a good show of offensive football in my team, and this is a project."

"For the last [few games], we pushed maximum, and the dream for this season is to qualify for CAF – it's not easy, but I want to put this in my players," added Nabi.

"We have the capacity, and the differences or profile is not big, we need confidence, and it's the same for [winning the] Nedbank Cup, we'll push."

Nabi is steadily shaping the squad for the future, having strengthened the attack in the last transfer window with players like Tashreeq Morris and Glody Lilepo.

In midfield, the signing of Thabo Cele has brought much-needed stability, and he has already shown glimpses of his quality.

However, as the old adage goes, 'defence wins trophies,' and Chiefs' struggles at the back make it clear why Nabi is targeting reinforcements.

Players like Bradley Cross and Happy Mashiane, who have been filling in at left-back, could benefit from increased competition.

There are also rumours that Thatayaone Ditlhokwe may leave for Libya, further emphasising the need for defensive depth.

Strengthening this department will provide much-needed balance and prevent the defensive lapses that have cost them crucial points this season.

If Nabi can address these issues, Chiefs could become a much more formidable side moving forward.

Kaizer Chiefs will host Chippa United in the Nedbank Cup last-16 clash, presenting an opportunity to push for silverware.

With the league title slipping away, this remains their most realistic chance to salvage the season with a trophy.

Nabi will be eager to prove that his team can rise to the occasion and show their progress under his guidance.

A strong performance could also build confidence for the remaining league fixtures.