Nurković ready for restart challenge
Nurković ready for restart challenge

Posted in News, Team News on Jul 03, 2020.

Amakhosi striker Samir Nurković is looking forward to Chiefs returning to training after an unusual long break. Although it will not be training in the conventional way, the Chiefs striker is happy to start ball work again and ultimately is looking forward to the restart of the Absa Premiership once the PSL has given the green light as to when matches will start again.

“I am definitely looking forward to training,” Nurković confirms. “It has been a while since I last trained with the ball. As a professional, you cannot wait to get back on the pitch and do what is relevant to your passion of playing the game.”

While the Serbian ace is ready to get back out on the field, he is aware of the challenges that will come with the current situation brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, as the team gets ready to be match fit and play a host of games in a few weeks.

“At the end of the season, we normally have just one month off,” he says, “but now it has been three months of no proper training. This means as we resume training, we need to be cautious. We will be guided by the technical team and coaching staff as we ease our way back. It will be crucial for us to be mentally tough in the days ahead.”

Nurković has 11 league goals to his tally this season for table topping Chiefs. He believes that although there will not be fans in the stadium when the games restart, the resumption of games will be a good thing for the fans.

“We are in a difficult situation right now”, he explains. “I do feel that when we start again, we can bring joy to the fans once again and help the current situation somewhat. It will be strange to play in an empty stadium without the energy of our fans who have been tremendous this season.  But we will continue to play with them in our hearts and hopefully we end the season in a positive way.”

‘Kokota Piano’ as the Serb is affectionately known, has also been keeping one eye on league’s around the world to see how they have been progressing since resuming play, “I have watched the English Premier League and La Liga. I have noticed how some of the players are unable to complete a full 90 minutes and things like having extra substitutions have helped. I have learned from the other leagues that it is Important to manage yourself well as we get back to training and everyone will be important to the team’s course.”

Nurković also believes that although a challenging time awaits Amakhosi once they do resume full training and matches, their character will shine through. “We want to show people that we are not top of the league accidentally. We will continue to work hard for each other and ensure that we make Amakhosi family happy with our performances and results,” he concludes.

Chiefs will advise on the resumption of play in the Absa Premiership once the information has been made available by the Premier Soccer League and on any other related developments.

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