Is the international break a blessing in disguise for Kaizer Chiefs?
Kaizer Chiefs may find relief during the international break as they navigate internal turmoil, including player disobedience and coaching changes, with their next match scheduled for October 18 against Simba in the CAF Confederation Cup. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Image: tumeleng English/Independent Media
While the football focus in South Africa shifts to Bafana Bafana and whether or not they can punch their FIFA World Cup ticket, it might come with a sense of relief for Kaizer Chiefs.
Over the weekend, Chiefs were dumped out of the Carling Knockout at the hands of Stellenbosch FC in a penalty shootout.
While losing the cup game on penalties would have been frustrating enough, it also came with added controversy.
Before the looming shootout, Chiefs goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari refused to be substituted for Bruce Bvuma.
Kaizer Chiefs Face Internal Turmoil Amid Coaching Changes and Player Disobedience
It beggars belief that a player can simply refuse management’s instruction to be subbed, and for me it points to another example of things not being right behind the scenes.
It meant after the exit, Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze not only had to attempt to explain the defeat but why his gloveman would not listen to the call to be substituted.
He didn’t really. He said his decision, along with fellow assistant Khalil Ben Youssef, to pull Ntwari was simply ignored.
This after Nasreddine Nabi left his position as coach, reportedly due to wanting to spend time with his wife after she was involved in a car accident. There have also since been unconfirmed rumours that Nabi may want to return to his position as coach.
There had also been rumblings that Nabi could not lead Chiefs in the CAF Confederation Cup as he did not have the correct qualifications to make him eligible, but that seems to not be the case either.
Fortunately, Chiefs now have some time to sort out their affairs and it will come like manna from the heavens that their next fixture is only on October 18 against Simba in their Confed Cup first leg match in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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