Pule Mmodi’s Early Substitution: Coach Nabi Defends Decision Amid Chiefs’ Struggles

Kaizer Chiefs suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat at the hands of SuperSport United in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) clash at FNB Stadium on Tuesday. While the loss itself was a major talking point, one of the biggest surprises of the match was coach Nasreddine Nabi’s decision to substitute Pule Mmodi in the first half.

A Shocking Substitution

Mmodi, who started the game, was taken off in the 37th minute and replaced by Mduduzi Shabalala. This unexpected change sparked debate among fans and analysts, especially given the timing of the substitution. Chiefs were already struggling, and the decision to withdraw an experienced attacker so early in the game raised questions.

However, Nabi defended his move, explaining that it was not necessarily a tactical substitution but rather a decision based on the overall team’s performance.

Nabi’s Explanation

“It was not necessarily a tactical change,” Nabi said, as quoted by iDiski Times.

“We noticed that most of the players were not in the game. If I had the chance to substitute six or seven players, I could have done it.

“I could see that Mmodi has given a lot in the previous game and today, already in the early minutes, I could see that he was not in the game and he was tired,” the Tunisian coach added.

This explanation suggests that Mmodi’s substitution was not an indictment of his ability but rather a reflection of the team’s overall lackluster performance on the night.

Mmodi Under Scrutiny

Mmodi, who joined Chiefs last season, has faced criticism for his recent performances. Former Amakhosi forward Siyabonga Nkosi recently accused him of being too selfish on the ball, further adding to the pressure on the 31-year-old winger.

With his contract running until June 2026, Mmodi still has time to turn things around, but he needs to prove his doubters wrong sooner rather than later. His ability to bounce back from this setback will be crucial as Chiefs look to regain their form.

What’s Next for Chiefs and Mmodi?

Chiefs were initially scheduled to face Royal AM on Friday, but that match has been postponed. Their next fixture will be a high-stakes clash against Mamelodi Sundowns on March 1, giving the team time to regroup.

For Mmodi, the break offers a chance to recover both physically and mentally. Whether he retains his place in the starting lineup against Sundowns remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—he has a point to prove.