By Agencies and Own Correspondent
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has extended a sincere apology to the club’s supporters after a disheartening exit from the Carling Knockout Cup at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday evening.
The Amakhosi suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat at the FNB Stadium, marking their third loss of the season. Compounding their woes, Chiefs captain Inacio Miguel received his marching orders following two yellow cards, forcing the Glamour Boys to battle through the majority of the second half a man down.
In the aftermath of the crushing defeat, Nabi took a moment to address the fans during an interview with SuperSport TV.
“I want to apologise to all the fans,” he stated. “I also want to extend my congratulations to my counterpart. I am truly sorry for this performance.
“From the backline all the way to the frontline, not a single strategy we had worked on paid off today. We had hoped for a strong response in the second half, but the red card we received early in the second half made it difficult for us to mount a comeback. That’s just the nature of football.”
Nabi continued, “I must congratulate Mamelodi Sundowns for their incredible display. When a team performs well, it’s essential we acknowledge that.
“However, we must also apologise to our passionate fans. We understand they have been longing for a moment of joy for quite some time. We will return to the drawin
Chiefs opened the game full of confidence against a strong and experienced Sundowns side but soon found themselves on the back foot after Lucas Ribeiro Costa was adjudged to have been fouled in the area.
Iqraam Rayners stepped up to slot it home and seven minutes later he added a second to send shockwaves around the arena and a tense atmosphere, which saw three pitch invaders in quick succession and supporting hurling projectiles onto the pitch.
One of the Amakhosi supporters looked to try and confront Fiacre Ntwari which saw security beefed up with the South African Police Service called into action in their hundreds across the field to prevent any further unruly behaviour.
But it went from bad to worse as Peter Shalulile added a third before the break and 15 minutes into the second half, Chiefs captain on the day Inacio Miguel received his second yellow and his marching orders.
Just after the hour mark Khuliso Mudau made it 4-0 with a deft touch past an onrushing Ntwari after a slick Sundowns build-up and it was cruise control from thereon in as Amakhosi just saw their problems worsen.
Njabulo Blom was stretched off injured and replaced by Nkosingphile Ngcobo and Chiefs attempted to try and get back into the game but their numerical disadvantage was telling as Sundowns eased to victory in a clash that appeared like men v boys at stages.
Masandawana now book their place in the semi-finals of the competition, alongside Richards Bay, who beat Cape Town City 5-4 on penalties in the earlier kickoff. – With DSE Football News Network
