The Soweto giants were humbled by Wananchi in a pre-season fixture played this weekend in Mzansi.
Coach Nasreddine Nabi was humiliated by his former team Young Africans as Kaizer Chiefs fell 4-0 in the Toyota Cup game played on Saturday at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The Tunisian has been with the Soweto Giants in Turkey for three weeks to prepare for the new season. He was in charge as the Glamour Boys defeated Qatari top-tier side Al Shahaniya 5-2 and drew 0-0 with UAE Pro League club Dibba Al-Hisn respectively.
It justified the supporters' optimism ahead of the game against the Tanzanian champions this weekend. However, a brace from Aziz Ki and a goal apiece from Clement Mzize and Prince Dube silenced thousands who had filled the stadium to cheer their team. What did we learn after the Saturday game?
An overhaul is needed
A good percentage of the players who played for Nabi are the same ones who ended the 2023/24 season in an embarrassing 10th position.
Even the changing of a coach has proven these lot can't be trusted with turning the club's fortune around. A good number shouldn't even be close to Naturena Village; no passion, no zeal, no nothing!
New players who are ready to bleed for Black and Gold are needed to steer Amakhosi to the next level.
A high-quality striker is needed
Imagine your reliable striker scoring just four goals the entire season! That is the story at Kaizer Chiefs.
Ranga Chivaviro and Christian Saile have failed to deliver when they are expected to. Even with a new coach, they needed one match to show they can't be relied on next season. When given a chance, they have looked out of place and ideas.
Now compare them with the likes of Tshegofatso Mabasa, Evidence Makgopa, Peter Shalulile, and Khanyisa Mayo. Well, you have the answer.
Nabi will not find it as easy as anticipated
The Tunisian has been saying how confident he is in helping Chiefs get their mojo back and rightful place at the helm of South African football.
However, after the game against Yanga, the 58-year-old might be wondering why he quit AS FAR Rabat. In his post match interview, he couldn't find a better excuse, he just claimed Amakhosi are a young and inexperienced team. But if you look at the players who were involved, you will definitely question his explanation.
Chiefs faithful need patience & faith
Recent Amakhosi coaches, Arthur Zwane and Molefi Ntseki, did not have a good experience with the club supporters owing to inconsistent and disappointing results.
Just recently, the Chiefs' Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr. warned against expecting Nabi to perform miracles at the club, urging the supporters to give him time.
From the Saturday game, it is clear the Glamour Boys are a shell of what they used to be a decade ago. They should accord Nabi time, and have faith that he will deliver.
Find the balance, defense can't do everything
Well, the Glamour have so far signed two defenders and a goalkeeper ahead of the new campaign. From the 4-0 loss, it was clear the midfield was limping as well as the attacking department.
Some of the defenders at Amakhosi have delivered in the previous teams because they had balanced departments. Nabi should consider having at least two more midfielders who can run the show and reduce the burden in defense.
