A former striker for Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns has offered a candid assessment of Kaizer Chiefs who’re hoping to turn their fortunes around under new coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Amakhosi faithful were brimming with confidence following the arrival of the Tunisian tactician, a proven trophy winner.
However, a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Young Africans in the Toyota Cup last week dampened their spirits.
Katlego Mashego, a former striker for Sundowns and Pirates, believes Kaizer Chiefs are lagging behind their rivals Buccaneers and Mamelodi Sundowns.
He says the Phefeni Glamour Boys need to bolster their squad with additional signings to build a competitive team.
Just like many, he has called for Nabi to be given time to build the team, saying that Amakhosi supporters shouldn't expect immediate miracles.
EX-PIRATES & SUNDOWNS STRIKER’S ASSESSMENT OF CHIEFS
“It's pre-season, so the earlier you get setbacks, the earlier you can be able to bounce back,” Mashego tells KickOff.
“Pirates, they look solid; it's the same team that played for the past two years or so, excluding maybe one or two players. They should be happy with their pre-season.
“As for Sundowns, their pre-season, it was a mixed one. They were winning but at the same time losing some games.
“But Kaizer Chiefs they are still in a building phase, new coach, lot of young players and stuff that they need to do.
“I could see what the new coach wants to do, but it will take them a long time to build a team that can challenge the league.
“But I don't think they have enough to challenge for the league Chiefs, but Pirates, yes, they look more solid and organized.
“Sundowns will always be there because of the quality. They recently lost their coach, but for me, I think Pirates had the best pre-season.
“It's a bit tough to pinpoint what Chiefs need, they have a new coach plus a lot of young players who haven't achieved much in the game.
“In the future, they might grow into something different, but in the immediate future, I don't think they have enough to challenge Sundowns or Pirates.
“The Chiefs coach needs to be given enough time to build the team that he wants. It's not like they have a choice because they don't like have enough experienced players.
“All the players they have they are like young guys and from other teams who were not top teams. They recruited from smaller teams who are not at that level of Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.”
