Kaizer Chiefs Coach Defends Young Left-Back Nkosana Mbuthu After Costly Error

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi recently stood by 19-year-old left-back Nkosana Mbuthu, following a crucial error that contributed to Young Africans’ 4-0 victory over Amakhosi in the Toyota Cup.

The match, held at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, served as Chiefs’ first pre-season game on home soil.

Mbuthu, who is the son of former Chiefs midfielder Patrick Mbuthu, was a surprise selection for the match against the Tanzanian side.

Just before halftime, he lost possession in a dangerous area, allowing Aziz Ki to capitalize and score, putting Young Africans 2-0 up. This error significantly shifted the momentum in favour of Young Africans.

Despite the mistake, Coach Nabi expressed confidence in the young player’s potential during his post-match interview with SuperSport TV. “Mbuthu is a young player, I am sure he is a big player in the future,” Nabi stated.

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“I don’t have a left back at this moment … and he is a left back. He was loose in this game, if he was not loose now, he would be loose in an official game. I will not push him out, I want to give him confidence. To be loose for one goal is normal, if I take him out I kill him .. it is my responsibility to protect him.”

Nabi also highlighted some positive aspects of the team’s performance despite the heavy loss.

“Obviously it was disappointing … but it is a friendly, we are busy learning from our mistakes and will build a strong team. Despite the loss, great things happened that we will build upon to make great performances in the future,” he added.