'You have been struggling nine months of pregnancy, now it’s time to deliver' - Kaizer Chiefs coach fires up Amakhosi ahead of Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates

Kaizer Chiefs assistant head coach Cedric Kaze has backed his boss, Nasreddine Nabi, to deliver for the club despite the poor run in the Premier Soccer League.

Likening the process at Chiefs to a pregnancy, the former Young Africans head coach said that after a struggle, it is now time to deliver in the Nedbank Cup. The Burundian said he believes Nabi is capable and is ready for the match against Orlando Pirates.

“We understand very well the frustrations of the fans, and we share those frustrations as well, but coming into this game, it’s a one," Kaze told reporters.

"I am pretty sure, ladies, will agree with me, you have been struggling for nine months of pregnancy; now it’s time to deliver.

“Everyone, the whole family needs to show up on the day; everyone who loves [Chiefs] needs to show up. That’s the only advice I will give to them."

While arguing that Nabi could be facing harsh judgment, he said the Tunisian has experience to guide the Glamour Boys to success.

“But he has a lot of experience from a lot of countries and teams; he understands the expectations, the struggles we are going through, which gives him the tools to prepare for the future," Kaze added.

“Maybe he sometimes doesn’t understand the harsh judgment that he feels is too early to be made, but you know in football we have learned, not only in South Africa, that judgment is quick to come, especially from outside people who have the privilege of commenting on results that were already there.

“But it’s the job he chose. I spoke to him this morning; he is confident and very eager on the touchline on Saturday for the Nedbank Cup final," Kaze continued.

The Nedbank Cup final is the most crucial game for both Nabi and Chiefs, given that they have a single chance of winning a title in a season that has been bad for them.

Should Nabi deliver the title, his first season at Naturena will be assessed from a different perspective because he will have a trophy to boast of at least.

The Tunisian tactician has experienced an underwhelming campaign in the PSL, with Chiefs now fighting for a top-eight finish. Indeed, they avoided possible relegation when Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Cape Town City, which just shows how poor they have been.

Under him, Amakhosi have equalled their most defeats in a season in the PSL era: 12.

The former FAR Rabat head coach must deliver the cup on May 10 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium if he has to ease pressure on his shoulder.

However, it is not going to be an easy task, given that they will face the defending champions Bucs, who defeated them in a league meeting last Saturday.