‘I regret we are not in the MTN8, it would be better to be in the MTN8 but it is a process,’ the Chiefs head coach told SuperSport TV.
Nasreddine Nabi hit out at his critics on Saturday, after a 0-0 Betway Premiership draw with Polokwane City meant Amakhosi will finish outside the top eight for the second season in a row.
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Chiefs did lift the Nedbank Cup, beating Orlando Pirates in the final to cap an excellent run to a first trophy in a decade.
Nabi’s Premiership troubles
In the Premiership, however, Chiefs have been poor, a run of nine consecutive matches without a win meaning they have failed to qualify for the MTN8 for the second season in a row.
Nabi, however, was having none of it when asked about critics who may question whether Chiefs have really improved this season.
“I am sorry, I am not going to be influenced by today’s result and undermine what the team has won this season,” Nabi told SuperSport TV.
“Fifa recognises two champions – the one who wins the cup and the one who wins the league.
“Chiefs won an official title. I regret we are not in the MTN8, it would be better to be in the MTN8 but it is a process.
‘Every time the questions are negative’
“I give more importance to the game model.
“Every time the questions are negative,” the Chiefs coach continued.
“Some people are not happy Chiefs are back. I observed the (positive) reaction of the fans after the Nedbank Cup. This is not good for some people, and some people create problems. They create confusion, they push the fans to attack the coach.”
Nabi did bemoan another game on Saturday in which his side failed to make the most of their opportunities.
“It is what defines the whole season, creating opportunities and not scoring,” added Nabi.
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“We hit the woodwork three times. We tried against a team playing with a low block. Unfortunately we couldn’t score, but it doesn’t take away the fact that we did everything (to score). We will keep the joy of the cup we won after ten years.
“In the league … we need to be better next season.”
