Chiefs got another chance – Nauseb
Chiefs got another chance – Nauseb

Posted in Features, News, Team News on Aug 31, 2020.

“We’ve been given another chance,” reacts Robert Nauseb after Mamelodi Sundowns lost, a few hours after Kaizer Chiefs were edged 1-0 by Bidvest Wits. “Now we have to use it.”

The former Glamour Boy feels that Amakhosi were unlucky not to have beaten the Clever Boys. “We created much more chances than Wits,” Nauseb reflects.

About the moment when Reeve Frosler was brought down in the opponent’s box in the first half, the ex-Namibian international comments. “That was a clear-cut penalty. However, at the end of the day, the referee’s decision is final.”

He also feels that it was unfortunate that goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi had to leave the pitch due to a concussion. “These kinds of things always affect a team mentally, especially the defenders. It’s never easy to see your teammate having to leave the field groggy. You start feeling a bit nervous.

“That does, of course, not reflect negatively on the qualities of Bruce Bvuma, who replaced the Nigerian international. He is a very promising young keeper. He is quality and seems to have a bright future ahead of him.”

Nauseb played for Amakhosi from 1998 until 2001, positioned mostly as a right wing-back in the 3-5-2 formation preferred by Paul Dolezar and as a winger in the 4-4-2 system that Muhsin Ertuğral mostly used.

Independent of playing as a wing-back or winger, Nauseb knew how to whip in a right-footed cross at high speed, creating numerous goalscoring opportunities for Chiefs’ attackers.

He is presently the interim coach of the Namibian national women’s team.

Disappointed as Nauseb was by Chiefs’ loss on Sunday afternoon, he was relieved to see Sundowns lose against Baroka FC, going down 1-0.

“We lost, Sundowns lost… it promises to be an exciting week with two more games to go to decide who will win the league title,” the Namibian says.

Amakhosi and Masandawana both have 53 points from 28 matches, although Chiefs are on top thanks to a better goal difference, +20 versus +15.

Next up for Amakhosi are Chippa United on Wednesday night, followed by this season’s final match against Baroka FC on Saturday afternoon.

“The senior players need to take responsibility and talk with the team to make clear what is at stake,” Nauseb suggests, “because a coach can only do so much.”

He has been happy with the recent performances of Reeve Frosler. “That boy is the most versatile player I have seen in a while, he can play on the left, on the right – he is impressing me.”

The Namibian is also happy with Willard Katsande’s form. “He’s a fighter on the pitch. He gives everything, it is almost as if he has two hearts in his body, he is a true leader.”

“The Chippa game is a six-pointer,” Nauseb concludes. “The pressure at the moment is on Sundowns, although, of course, we have to fight and win our own battles.”

Amakhosi will host the Chilli Boys at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday, 2 September (kick-off at 18:00).

No supporters will be allowed in the stadium. The game will be broadcast live on the DStv channel, SuperSport 2 and various SABC radio stations, with commentary coming through the Twitter handle, @KaizerChiefs

 

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