Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasradine Nabi praised his players for their grit in securing a victory even while playing with 10 men. He also discussed the disparity in skill level between his current squad and previous Amakhosi teams.

Chiefs returned to winning ways in the Betway Premiership with a 2-1 win over Richards Bay at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday, despite facing a numerical disadvantage in the latter half.

Early goals in the second half from Wandile Duba and Ashley Du Preez earned all three points, moving Chiefs up to sixth in the league table.

In a post-game interview with SuperSport TV, the Chiefs manager acknowledged that, although they won, the team’s performance didn’t fully align with the high standards expected.

“It’s not just about winning; the process has to be effective. This is Kaizer Chiefs. Our aspirations are high. Mentally, yes, it feels rewarding,” Nabi remarked.

Although they scored twice, the Glamour Boys struggled to maintain dominance, experiencing only brief moments of possession.

The Tunisian coach expressed his worries about the team’s inconsistency, likening the current players to legendary figures like Doctor Khumalo and Siphiwe Tshabalala.

“There are bright moments, but we lack consistency. We must improve our performance in the attacking third. While securing three points is vital for the club, playing a half with only 10 men is mentally challenging. It feels satisfying, yet the process isn’t meeting expectations. This is Kaizer Chiefs – remember the standards set by Tshabalala and Doctor Khumalo; that’s the level we aim for,” the former Young Africans coach reflected.

In their match against the Natal Rich Boys, the Soweto giants made 18 attempts on goal, with just five on target and two finding the net.

Converting chances has been a longstanding challenge for Chiefs since the season commenced, leading to frustration.

The Chiefs coach acknowledged this ongoing issue, which he attributes to various reasons, including a lack of confidence among strikers, not just in the Chiefs’ camp but league-wide.

“This is indeed a significant issue for our team, reaching beyond this particular match. Teams are creating numerous opportunities without converting, likely due to strikers’ confidence or concentration. Nevertheless, we are committed to improving our approach moving forward.”

After securing a home win and entering a busy schedule following an extended international break, Amakhosi will now focus on their next match against a KwaZulu-Natal side, as they host Royal AM this Saturday.