Kaizer Chiefs‘ versatile attacker Wandile Duba has conceded coach Nasreddine Nabi advised them to target Lucas Suarez in the 2-1 Nedbank Cup win over Mamelodi Sundowns.
The youngster pounced on a weak pass from the Argentine before beating Ronwen Williams in the Masandawana goal to cancel Teboho Mokoena's strike. The Glamour Boys then scored the second game late in the match courtesy of Ashley du Preez to get into the final where they will play the defending champions and rivals Orlando Pirates.
After the game, the versatile attacker revealed the Tunisian tactician had analysed the Brazilians well and identified a weak point that they needed to capitalise on.
Nabi told us not to rush and press Suarez
“We had to win today’s match, Sundowns wouldn’t beat us four times. We wanted to play this final; we want to make history,” the 20-year-old told the media.
“The current generation [of Chiefs] wants to make the history for Kaizer Chiefs after such a long time not winning a trophy. Nabi told us not to rush them because we know Sundowns is good when it comes to the build-up play.
“He told us to wait for [the right moments to press them] like my goal. Nabi said their left centre-back [Suarez] has so many mistakes. He said we should make a trap and close him down on the left so he could play the ball inside, that’s how the first goal came. Coach told us about Suarez since the start of the week, he kept on saying that our target should be this left centre-back,” he concluded.
Cardoso jumps to Suarez's defense
However, coach Miguel Cardoso has defended the on-loan CA Talleres player, denying whatever Duba claimed.
“Look, I don’t see things like that come from a high-level match on Wednesday where Lucas made a wonderful performance. As you know, he was lined up on the team of CAF Champions League of the week,” Cardoso stated.
“So I think it’s not fair. Even today, he made one mistake, but he made a normal game. He coped with the speed, tell me, a shot on the goal coming from a play that was his structure from shifts.“
“I don’t remember any, but maybe you do. I just ask you to be fair with the people, with the players, with myself, with the team, with the squad, and the club. Analyze things as they are; it’s your job to do it. Just pick the results, look how it came from, and don’t punish a player that doesn’t deserve. Obviously, he already has on his shoulder enough weight to carry that he doesn’t need to receive from you, because the boy is doing his job and trying to do his best as everybody.”
Chiefs will play Pirates in the final on May 10 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on May 10.
