Nasreddine Nabi shares thoughts on Flavio Silva debut performance | OneFootball

Interview

Nabi dissects Silva's debut performance

Photo: Kaizer Chiefs @ X

Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has shared his thoughts on newly signed Flavio Silva’s debut performance in the Betway Premiership clash against Golden Arrows at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

The former Portugal youth international signed for the Soweto giants ahead of the 2025/26 season. He touched down in South Africa on the back of scoring nine goals and providing two assists in 33 matches for Persebaya Surubaya in the Indonesian topflight last term.

However, Silva was under scrutiny for his performances during the pre-season camp in Netherlands, with a section of the Amakhosi faithful voicing their displeasure over his recruitment. Moreover, the player did not feature in the first four games of the new season.

Now, the 29-year-old center-forward helped Chiefs to maintain their momentum as he scored the solitary goal that clinched maximum points over Arrows on his debut. The Tunisian mentor says they were waiting for the right moment to unleash the frontman.

“I think for Silva, from the beginning, he received a lot of support from the technical staff, the players and the fans. First it was a paperwork problem, then he was ready for us, just we were waiting for the right moment to introduce him, to make it easier for him,” said Nabi.

Nabi went on to express his delight with Silva’s showing on the day, with the Glamour Boys still unbeaten in their first five league outings of the ongoing campaign, while keeping an impressive five clean sheets in the process.

“Today [Saturday] we are so happy for him because he helped the team in this game,” added the 59-year-old tactician.

Heading into the FIFA international break, Chiefs are currently in second place on the log standings, level on 13 points with table toppers Sekhukhune United, who have a superior goal difference. Interestingly, Nabi’s men will face Babina Noko after the short hiatus.