Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi lifted his first piece of silverware at the club when his side claimed the CUPA Cup following a 4-3 win on post-match penalties against Marumo Gallants.
In what was a friendly encounter that nearly fail to take place on Sunday, the match gave Nabi an opportunity to test his players and also gauge the readiness of those who do not play oftenm and he must have seen plenty to be happy with and some that was not impressive.
Among what was not impressive is how his time wasted several opportunities to break the deadlock in both halves.
Who was guilty of missing chances for Chiefs?
Wandile Duba, Christian Saile and Mududzi Shabalala were all guilty of missing chances in the first half with the latter also coming close twice after the break, one hitting the side netting.
Ranga Chivaviro also saw a good shot blocked in the second half while Reeve Frosler drew a good save from the Gallants goalkeeper.
Another thing that Nabi might not have liked is how Gallants easily ran rings in the Chiefs box, Dan Malesela’s side coming close to pulling off a win on a number occasions, while some good defending from Inacio Miguel rescued Amakhosi.
The match almost failed to take place
Uncertainty surrounded the match earlier on Sunday when Gallants released a statement saying there were contractual disputes between them and the organisers of the tournament, Cultural Urban Festival Africa, putting the fixture in doubt.
However, both parties resolved the issue, allowing the match to proceed at the Toyota Free State Stadium.
With 10 substitutes allowed, Nabi gave opportunities to nearly his entire squad, with the match used as a build-up ahead of next weekend’s Carling Knockout fixture away to SuperSport United.
The contest ended goalless, forcing penalties to decide the winner, and Chiefs had Yusuf Maart, Frosler, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Miguel to thank as they converted their spot kicks for the 4-3 victory.
