Nasreddine Nabi weighs in on new signings, explains Silva exclusion | OneFootball

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Nabi shares thoughts on new acquisitions, sheds light on Silva decision

Photo: Lefty Shivambu/ Gallo Images

Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has shared his thoughts on the club’s new acquisitions and shed light on the reason behind keeping striker Flavio Silva on the bench for the entire match against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Soweto giants have shown great ambition in the market, signing a staggering 10 new players as they gear up for a return to continental football, having booked their spot in the CAF Confederation Cup by winning the Nedbank Cup last season.

So far, Chiefs have acquired the services of Ethan Chislett, Nkanyiso Shinga, Lebohang Maboe, Etiosa Ighodaro, Luke Baartman, Asanele Velebayi, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Silva, while Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane joined from fierce rivals Orlando Pirates.

Despite the new arrivals signaling a clear statement of intent, the Tunisian mentor downplayed the signings, stressing the importance of allowing the players to settle in their new surroundings at Naturena.

“About the signings, I believe that we are still at the fourth game in the league, there is a lot of games coming, with different competitions as well,” said Nabi.

“We will see how the players adapt and if they add value because sometimes, they take too long [to adapt] or they adapt very quickly, but the future will tell us.

On Silva, who has been under scrutiny from a section of the Amakhosi faithful due to his performances in the pre-season camp in the Netherlands, Nabi says he opted against calling upon the player against Sundowns due to the magnitude of the game and his match sharpness level.

“About Silva, his last game was in the Toyota Cup against Asante Kotoko and today [Wednesday] was a big game and to throw him out there after he has spent probably a month without having a competitive game – it would have been [a bad decision],” he explained.

“So, that’s why we decided to keep him [on the bench], and I am sure in the future he will [get the chance to play].