Exactly a year ago, on a freezing winter evening, Kaizer Chiefs almost broke the internet after they announced Molefi Ntseki as the head sheriff in charge of the team. The breaking of the net was not because of excitement – it was through sheer anger, frustration and disappointment.
I am not sure as to how many cellular phones or laptops were almost smashed and broken when the headlines came screaming on social media. The cold temperatures went down faster than speedy Ashley du Preez en route to missing yet another sitter, and suddenly, the Highveld felt like Antarctica for the legions of Amakhosi die-hard supporters.
But things are looking up ahead of the new season and there is wholesome excitement among the long-suffering Chiefs supporters. With the dribs and drabs arrival of incoming coach Nasreddine Nabi’s back room staffers Ilyes Mzoughi and Majdi Safi, I am told that the smiles at Mount Naturena are as wide as the Nile River.
Nabi is expected to land in Jozi after the final of Morocco’s domestic cup competition sometime this week.
This has perfectly set the tone for what will be one of the most highly anticipated seasons in the PSL. Chiefs fans have been cursing and swearing, some have deserted the club after it finished outside of the Top 8 bracket, for the third time in their history.
Reports are also suggesting that Amakhosi are planning an off-season escapade to Turkey. This is a far cry from last season when the club held their pre-season training in Tanzania. The African safari resulted in a 1-0 loss to Yanga FC and the writing was on the wall.
They were a laughing stock as Orlando Pirates benefited from the connections of their Spanish coach Jose Riveiro who took them to Malaga, on the foot of the Mediterranean, in Spain. They played against Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv, Independiente del Valle from Ecuador and a game against La Liga side Las Palmas ahead.
Big spenders Mamelodi Sundowns were not going to be outdone and also took a retreat to the Netherlands for a kick-and-giggle against six-time Eredivisie champions Sparta Rotterdam and another practice session against NAC Breda. And what were the results, the Brazilians came out guns blazing at the beginning of the new season and Pirates won two trophies.
As I have always argued that the DStv Premiership needs a competitive and a very strong Chiefs to prosper and to become a respected league on the continent. Sundowns have taken the crown from the once-mighty Chiefs and have dominated so much that the league is boring and monotonous.
Pirates, who form the triumvirate of the three biggest clubs with Chiefs and Sundowns, have also assembled high artillery in their squad. Under Riveiro, they have become fearsome and entertaining at the same time – they can end Masandawana’s dominance if only they were consistent and not only focused knockout trophies.
For Chiefs, it will be interesting to see Nabi’s plans and turn-around strategy. The Tunisian will need some time, but he won’t get that luxury from the fans. He will have to be like Quentin Tarantino and talk fast, act fast, settle down fast and deliver very fast – otherwise, eish…
Coach needs to be given time and support firstly from management in terms playing personnel secondly us fans/supporters.
We are happy and big thanks to the management for taking the CLUB and US FANS seriously this time.