Nasreddine Nabi’s men shine as Kaizer Chiefs five games unbeaten

Kaizer Chiefs have ridden on the wave of consistency and tactical balance to open the Betway Premiership season with a five-game unbeaten streak.

Chiefs are currently second in the league standings with 13 points, level with leaders Sekhukhune United. It marks a dream start, especially considering how differently they fared last campaign.

Beyond results, what has stood out most this season is the camaraderie and fighting spirit within the squad. Fullbacks Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane, who joined from arch-rivals Orlando Pirates, have slotted in seamlessly. When Monyane sealed Mako’s Player of the Match performance with a celebratory kiss after the 1-0 win over Golden Arrows — Chiefs’ fourth win in five games — the moment epitomised the togetherness in the camp.

Coach Nasreddine Nabi has been quick to praise the pair for their tireless work on the flanks, but he insists they still have another level to reach.

Such are the standards within the Chiefs squad that no player can afford to ease off. Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has been in superb form, keeping clean sheets in all five matches so far and emerging as a strong contender for the Player of the Month award. Petersen’s turnaround highlights the transformation under Nabi, who endured one of the club’s worst defensive records last season.

Nabi, however, has remained modest amid the praise, pointing to his lieutenants Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, who oversaw three opening victories during his absence, as well as goalkeeping coach Ilyes Mzoughi for his work with Petersen.

“I think it’s positive for the team that we have played five games without conceding,” Nabi said after the win over Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

“I have to congratulate Petersen and the goalkeeping department. Congratulations to the goalkeeper coach for the work he has done with Petersen. I trust Petersen, I know his qualities. So, congratulations to him and his coach.”

It is not only at the back where Chiefs have made strides. After failing to find the net in the midweek stalemate with Mamelodi Sundowns, the Glamour Boys unveiled new striker Flavio Silva against Golden Arrows. The Portuguese forward made an instant impact, scoring the winner from Gastón Sirino’s assist, with the Uruguayan playmaker also rediscovering form after a difficult campaign last season.

Nabi could not hide his delight at Silva’s debut strike, especially after the forward came under scrutiny during a quiet pre-season in the Netherlands.

“I think Silva received a lot of support from the technical staff, the players and the fans,” Nabi said.

“There was a lot of progress regarding the paperwork, and when he was ready for us, we were just waiting for the right moment to introduce him. We are so happy for him because he was waiting for this game.”

Chiefs are expected to become even more balanced after the Fifa break, with the return of Lebohang Maboe. A product of Chiefs’ development ranks, Maboe returns with experience from Maritzburg United and Mamelodi Sundowns.

“I have to congratulate the board — they did a very good job by recruiting Maboe. They are very smart with how they handle recruitments,” Nabi added.

“Maboe is an intelligent player; we need him and his qualities. He has a lot of experience from Sundowns, and that will help us. He’s now working on fitness and will be with us soon.”

on for the Player of the Month award, having kept clean sheets since the start of the season.