Kaizer Chiefs former star midfielder Junior Khanye has spoken frankly in his analysis of the year that was in 2024. The former dribbling wizard says that his former club made a mistake by roping in Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi. And he is of the opinion that Chiefs should have instead brought Pitso Mosimane, who was idling and available at the time.
Khanye, who has turned into one of the most followed and listened-to football analysts, has been rather vocal and scathing in the way he criticises his former club. His career was cut short by living life on the fast lane. Khanye was down and out for a while, until he redeemed himself and bounced back in a positive way.
No impact since his arrival
Nabi has not hit the ground running after huge excitement upon his arrival. Chiefs have not been able to keep up with the pace-setters in the Betway Premiership. In their nine league matches, they have won and lost three matches, and drawing as many.
“Chiefs made a mistake by going to north Africa and getting Nabi as the new coach. They should have hired coach Pitso, who was available and did not have a job then,” said Khanye.
“I saw during the off-season when Nabi took the team to Turkey for training – that’s an old fashioned way of doing things. He should have arranged to play a few friendly matches so that he could see his players and to work on combinations. That was going to show him what he had and where he lacked. The players he has are not good enough and they have been there for the last five years or so,” he added.
Pitso would have been the best pick
“Playing friendly matches was going to help him sign players that he wants. But now, even if the club gave him money, he is going to bring players that he wants and not players who can fit into the Chiefs identity and way of playing.
“Pitso was a free agent, and we all know his record. The Mamelodi Sundowns we are seeing today is because of Pitso’s hard work and vision. The Chiefs project is the kind of assignment that brings the best out of him.
“He loves challenges because he is a winner. So, if you look at the current results and league table, Chiefs made a mistake by bringing Nabi,” Khanye explained further.
