Chiefs coach Nabi content with display despite loss to Downs

Kaizer Chiefs' Nasreddine Nabi thinks it has always been in Amakhosi's DNA to play with determination as they did against Mamelodi Sundowns, despite eventually losing 2-1 at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday.

For the first time in recent seasons, Chiefs gave Sundowns a run for their money. While many teams struggle to create chances against the defending league champions, Chiefs managed to penetrate their defence.

It was Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who also won the man of the match award, producing several crucial and world-class stops that denied Chiefs more goals in a match where match officials had to run for  cover at full-time as Chiefs fans started pelting them with missiles as they were dissatisfied with some calls.

Refusing to take credit for the apparent change of attitude in the players, Nabi said he had only "awakened what was on the slumber". The Amakhosi coach was upset that they lost, suggesting they can't celebrate playing well without winning.

After Sundowns' goal, we observed that some players dropped their heads...the demons of last year [of giving up too early perhaps] came back. I don't accept that.Nasreddine Nabi, Kaizer Chiefs coach 

"I didn't come up with any new strategy. This is the DNA of Kaizer Chiefs. Maybe I have awakened what was on the slumber. It's normal that if you are playing for Kaizer Chiefs, you have a specific DNA and characteristics ... character and personality. You dislike losing,'' Nabi said.

"After Sundowns' goal, we observed that some players dropped their heads...the demons of last year [of giving up too early perhaps] came back. I don't accept that. It's possible to concede a goal but if you concede and drop your head, I don't accept that. I have not changed anything because I am in the first step in my strategy."

Ranga Chivaviro put Chiefs ahead in the ninth minute, before Lucas Ribeiro levelled matters in the 31st minute. Iqraam Rayners netted what eventually proved the winner for Downs in the 37th minute.

Rayners goal is controversial because Costa, who set him up, looked to be offside. Chiefs also netted what would have made it 2-all deep in stoppage time via Edson Castillo, but the goal was ruled off as referee Sikhumbuzo Gasa thought there was a Sundowns player who was fouled before that.

Nabi was reluctant to weigh in on the officiating in a game where his deputy, Khalil Ben Youssef, was cautioned for protesting some of the referee's calls. "I don't talk about referees. It's not my speciality. The specialists and analysts will talk about that,'' Nabi said.

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