Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi believes the officials contributed to SuperSport United's exit from the MTN8 against Orlando Pirates.
The two teams faced each other in the quarter-final of the annual competition played at the Orlando Stadium on August 3. With the Sea Robbers leading 2-1, Thabiso Monyane handled the ball in the danger zone.
However, the officials – much to the dismay of the Swanky Boys fans, ignored the calls for a penalty and waved play on. The Buccaneers won the game 3-1 and went all the way to defend their trophy in the final, in the process becoming the only team to win it three times in a row.
Nabi believes that the Gavin Hunt-led team was unlucky not to be awarded a penalty which could have changed the dimension of the game.
SuperSport had the possibility of beating Pirates
Ahead of the Carling Knockout Round of 16 game between Chiefs and SuperSport, Nabi has shared his thoughts about the controversial incident.
“I am expecting a very challenging game [on Saturday] sincerely speaking they, SuperSport, are a very good team, I watched them in the MTN8 against Orlando Pirates where they almost won,” he told the media.
“They had the possibility of winning, except for a referee mistake. They should not have received a penalty; it’s the reality. Very aggressive commitment and tactically organised team, my colleague Gavin have a lot of skill and experience.
“He knows how to manage his people, and prepares his players. I'm expecting a very good game, challenging and let’s see what happens,” the Tunisian added.
Chiefs must have a winning mentality
The Glamour Boys are restructuring under the former Young Africans SC coach, but the Tunisian insists that is not a reason for them not to win the game.
“The fact that we are building the team doesn’t stop us from having a winning mentality. We approach every game with a winning mentality … whether it’s a cup or a championship itself, it doesn’t matter.
“We don’t want to hide behind the fact that we are building and the results are secondary. No, I am promising the fans that all the games, regardless of the competition, we are going to make sure we give our best shot and give a good result,” Nabi concluded.
Nabi has so far led Chiefs in three competitive matches -in the Premier Soccer League, winning two and losing one.
