Nabi Issues Mentality Warning to Ranga Chivaviro Amid Kaizer Chiefs’ Scoring Woes

Kaizer Chiefs’ head coach Nasreddine Nabi has issued a stern warning to striker Ranga Chivaviro, emphasizing the mental strength required to succeed at a club of Chiefs’ stature. Despite being a key target for Amakhosi, Chivaviro’s struggles in front of goal have raised concerns, and Nabi has made it clear that the pressure of playing for a club like Chiefs demands a resilient mindset.
Chiefs’ Struggling Attack
After 20 league matches, Kaizer Chiefs have managed just 22 goals, placing them significantly behind their competitors. They are four goals short of Sekhukhune United, three behind AmaZulu FC, and seven less than Orlando Pirates. In comparison, Mamelodi Sundowns’ attacking prowess remains a daunting example of what Amakhosi are striving for.
At the heart of Chiefs’ scoring difficulties lies the search for a reliable number nine. The club’s goals have largely come from midfielders like Mduduzi Shabalala, Gaston Sirino, and most recently, winger Glody Lilepo, highlighting the lack of a consistent striker. The situation was further emphasized when substitute Ashley Du Preez scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Magesi FC, despite having just returned from injury.
Tashreeq Morris, the latest striker addition from SuperSport United, is yet to find the back of the net, and his recent injury during the clash with Sundowns has only added to the club’s striker woes. This has put even more pressure on Chivaviro, who had two clear chances against Magesi but was unable to capitalize, much to the frustration of the fans.
Nabi’s Message to Chivaviro
In light of these concerns, Nabi addressed the growing pressure on Chivaviro post-match. The Tunisian coach highlighted the crucial role mentality plays in playing for a club as high-profile as Kaizer Chiefs. “To play in a team like Kaizer Chiefs, you need to have a big mental strength, you need to have a big mindset,” Nabi said.
The Chiefs boss stressed that playing for a club with such a large fanbase means criticism is inevitable, and players must remain focused and mentally tough. “Even if you are at your lowest, you need to stay focused. You need to stay mentally very strong,” Nabi added.
The message to Chivaviro is clear: the pressure of playing for Chiefs requires resilience and determination, and it is essential for the striker to stay mentally strong in order to succeed at Naturena.
Chivaviro’s Future at Chiefs
Chivaviro is in the final four months of his initial contract with Kaizer Chiefs, although there is an option for an extension. The next few weeks will be crucial for the striker, as he looks to prove his worth and secure a longer-term deal at the club. The clock is ticking, and his performances in the coming games will likely determine his future at Chiefs.
With Chiefs’ ongoing search for a new striker, Chivaviro will need to demonstrate both mental and physical strength if he is to remain a key part of the team moving forward.