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Nasreddine Nabi, GFX GOAL

PSL giants Kaizer Chiefs are in need of a quick fix, Nasreddine Nabi needs to deal with ill-discipline, fix his defence, bolster his attack and get Amakhosi firing again

If Kaizer Chiefs were a vehicle, the obvious solution would be to take them to a mechanic. If they were wood, a carpenter would be the best placed professional to help shape Amakhosi, and if Chiefs were a leaking pipe, a plumber would come in handy.

At this point, Amakhosi head coach Nasreddine Nabi needs all the help he can get because his team are leaking goals at will while players and coaches have made it a habit to throw tantrums.

Something has to be done, and that must happen soon. Nabi, as the man in charge, is tasked with the responsibility of making the machinery that is Chiefs to function at its optimum best. The good thing is that club sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr has committed to making signings in this window. Here, GOAL looks at some areas which need immediate attention at Naturena.

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  • Nasreddine Nabi and Kaizer Motaung, Kaizer ChiefsBackpage

    Add more goal poachers

    While it's true that Kaizer Chiefs are the third-highest scorers in the PSL, with 16 goals to their name, they still lag behind their fiercest rivals - Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns - both of whom have netted 22 goals. If Amakhosi are to close the gap and challenge at the top, they must bring in a proven goal scorer. But one may not be enough; in fact, Chiefs may need a multi-pronged strike force to match the likes of Pirates, who boast the dangerous duo of Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabaso, or Sundowns, where Iqraam Rayners shares the burden with the prolific Peter Shalulile. Chiefs would do well to adopt this model and strengthen their attacking lineup.

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  • Khalil Ben Youssef and Nasreddine Nabi, Kaizer Chiefs Backpage

    Get a good strikers' coach

    Once a reliable group of goal poachers is in place, the next step is specialized training. Bringing in a strikers' coach would be an important move. Scoring goals is just as vital as keeping them out of your own net, and Chiefs’ attacking unit, including Ranga Chivaviro and Ashley du Preez, have been guilty of inefficiency. In their last five matches, the team fired 59 shots, but only 13 were on target, resulting in a meager four goals. Clearly, there’s a need for fine-tuning, and a forwards coach could be the key to unlocking this potential.

  • Mduduzi Shabalala, Wandile Duba, Mfundo Vilakazi GFXBackpagepix

    Give Vilakazi more minutes

    Chiefs' head coach, Nabi, has shown faith in youth, regularly selecting players like Samkelo Zwane, Mduduzi Shabalala, Mfundo Vilakazi, and Wandile Duba. However, one player who deserves more exposure is Mfundo Vilakazi. Alongside Zwane, he was outstanding in the Carling All-Star match, showcasing his potential. If Nabi could afford him more minutes on the pitch - especially full 90-minute shifts - it would likely boost Vilakazi’s confidence and performance, benefiting both the player and the team’s overall development. Giving these young talents more playing time could be the spark Chiefs need to raise their game.

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  • Gaston Sirino, Kaizer ChiefsBackpage

    Get Sirino fit and happy

    Gaston Sirino remains the only offensive signing Chiefs have made this season. While it may point to a tactical emphasis on solidifying their defense, Chiefs need a fully fit and motivated Sirino to make a real impact up front. More than physical fitness, Sirino's happiness is essential to his success. Known for his temperament, Sirino needs to feel valued and content to perform at his best. Chiefs must find a way to keep him happy because, right now, the team needs Sirino far more than he needs them. With the right management, Sirino could be the difference-maker Chiefs are desperately searching for.

  • Rushwin Dortley, Kaizer Chiefs, July 2024Backpagepix

    Fix the rear guard

    Under Nabi’s stewardship, Chiefs made a clear statement by bolstering their defensive line with signings like Rushwin Dortely, Bongani Sam, Bradley Cross, Fiacre Ntwari, and Inacio Miguel. The aim was simple: build a defense that is as rock-solid as a fortress. Yet, despite these reinforcements, the defense has been leaky, conceding 16 goals in just eight games - an alarming rate of two goals per match. The likes of Given Msimango, Miguel, and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe have been guilty of allowing far too many goals. For a team with title ambitions, their defensive frailties must be addressed immediately, as "strikers win games, but defenders win titles."

  • Inacio Miguel, Kaizer ChiefsBackpage

    Instill Discipline

    With Nabi serving a two-match suspension, Ben Youssef will take charge for the upcoming fixtures against Sekhukhune and Free Agents. However, discipline has been an issue not just for the coaching staff but for the players as well. Youssef himself is sitting on two yellow cards, and another would see him suspended. But the real concern lies with the players - chief among them, vice-captain Miguel. The Angolan center-back has accumulated a staggering eight cards in just 12 games, including two which resulted in a red card in a crucial cup clash with Sundowns. As a leader on the pitch, Miguel must set an example, but he is not alone. Nabi, who has his own disciplinary record to worry about, needs to instill a culture of discipline throughout the squad. Chiefs must prioritize discipline if they hope to make a serious push for glory.

  • Nasreddine Nabi right for Chiefs 16-9GOAL

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