Kaizer Chiefs’ master plan for youth star to train with first team
Chiefs coach outlines a strategic path for a specific young star and other rising talents to integrate into the senior team.
Kaizer Chiefs’ master plan for youth star revealed as first team beckons.
Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi is making waves with his strategic approach to integrating young talent into the senior squad. Speaking after Amakhosi’s 1-0 victory over Chippa United in the Betway Premiership clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, the Tunisian tactician outlined his vision for the club’s rising stars.
Hlongwane: Star in the making
Nabi shared his thoughts on 19-year-old Naledi Hlongwane, who recently impressed fans by scoring a brace for the Carling All-Stars team in the Carling Black Label Cup against Magesi FC. Despite the hype surrounding the young striker, Nabi cautioned against rushing his development.
“It’s a process, and we get reports every week, every two weeks about the players that can come train with the first team,” Nabi stated. He emphasized the importance of patience, noting that success in a friendly match doesn’t guarantee readiness for the pressures of playing at a club like Kaizer Chiefs.
Chiefs’ strategic development path
Nabi revealed that Hlongwane, along with two other DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) players, will be invited to train with the senior team. This decision underscores Kaizer Chiefs’ commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.
“After the new year, there are going to be three players joining the first team to train with them,” Nabi explained. “But it’s not something that started because Hlongwane scored two goals. It’s been a process.”
The coach’s approach prioritizes gradual growth, allowing young players to adapt to the senior team’s demands before making the leap. “Within those three that will be invited, the one who performs will be given a chance to stay and play with the first team,” Nabi added.
Building collaboration across teams
Nabi highlighted the strong collaboration within the club, particularly between the senior team and the under-23 coach. This synergy ensures a steady pipeline of talent ready to contribute at the highest level.
“In our project, there’s a very good collaboration within the club,” Nabi said. “It’s a process, and we want to go through the process, not get emotional because someone scored two goals in a friendly game.”
With three DDC players set to train with the senior team in the new year. The spotlight remains on Kaizer Chiefs’ youth development strategy. Fans eagerly await to see who will seize the opportunity and earn a spot in the first team.
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