Sekhukhune United celebrate the goal scored by Chibuike Ohizu against Cape Town City at Cape Town Stadium on Sunday in their Betway Premiership clash. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: Backpagepix
One of the key takeaways from the weekend’s local football action was Kaizer Chiefs’ top-eight aspirations taking a knock, which led to coach Nasreddine Nabi expressing his frustration in no uncertain terms following a 1–1 draw against TS Galaxy.
Nabi faces immense pressure amid growing frustrations, and next weekend presents an acid test in the Nedbank Cup semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The reality for Nabi is steeped in expectation. With each game that passes without a win, the prospect of a trophyless season grows increasingly likely — marking what could be a tenth consecutive year without silverware.
After Kaizer Chiefs’ top-eight ambitions suffered a setback following their 1–1 stalemate with TS Galaxy, coach Nasreddine Nabi’s patience with his players is clearly wearing thin. Post-match, his frustration was evident when he stated:
"I’m tired of repeating myself on the chances we are missing. We should have scored more than one goal."
These remarks reveal a coach at a crossroads. The weight of expectation increases with every failure, and the pressure is approaching boiling point. Chiefs face Sundowns on Sunday in the Nedbank Cup semi-final, and a defeat could leave club management with no option but to part ways with the Tunisian coach.
Defeat would mean yet another season without a trophy — their tenth in succession.
Renaldo Leaner of Sekhukhune United. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner produced another brilliant performance on Sunday, proving that his previous stand-out display against Mamelodi Sundowns was no fluke. He was instrumental in Sekhukhune United’s 2–1 victory over Cape Town City, pulling off several crucial saves late in the game.
As City piled on the pressure in the closing stages, Leaner remained rock solid. With Sekhukhune reduced to 10 men, he was a key figure in helping them protect their narrow lead. He must surely be close to Bafana Bafana consideration when the national squad is next selected.
Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinklder. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Former Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler returned to haunt his former club on Sunday, guiding Sekhukhune to victory at what was once his stomping ground — Cape Town Stadium.
After taking a commanding 2–0 lead at half-time, Tinkler’s hopes of securing all three points may have wavered when his side were reduced to 10 men following a red card. However, he adjusted the game plan expertly, and with support from the outstanding Leaner, Sekhukhune held on for a vital win.
The victory sees Sekhukhune climb to third place on the log, placing them in strong contention for a CAF competition berth next season.
SuperSport United’s struggles continued after a hard-fought 1–1 draw against Marumo Gallants, leaving their top-flight status hanging by a thread. Despite dominating the match and leading the shots-on-goal count 19–9, SuperSport could not find a winner.
They now languish in 15th position, heightening concerns of potential relegation. However, automatic relegation may yet be avoided if Royal AM’s status is cancelled. If that materialises, the team finishing 15th will enter the play-offs alongside the second and third-placed clubs in the First Division standings.
In a scathing critique, Orlando Pirates head coach José Riveiro voiced his displeasure with the state of the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium following his team’s 1–0 victory over Polokwane City on Saturday.
Despite the win, Riveiro’s post-match comments drew attention when he labelled the pitch as:
“Terrible, slow, bumpy, and not a football pitch.”
This is not the first time a Premiership coach has been critical of pitch conditions, and it is high time the PSL conducts a thorough review of the playing surfaces at venues used regularly across the league.
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