Nabi delivers first trophy of new era
Bruce Bvuma was the hero, saving two spot-kicks, as Kaizer Chiefs won their first trophy under the new regime of coach, Nasreddine Nabi, when they beat Marumo Gallants 4-2 in a penalty shootout to claim the 2024 Cufa Cup, following a 0-0 draw in regulation time at the Toyota stadium in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
It might not be the most prestigious piece of silverware on offer but it is one that was well-earned on the day, and a step on the right direction. Coach Nabi will be pleased with much of what he saw, as it is clearly evident that the players are warming to his ideas and executing his instructions on the pitch.
The ferocity with which Gallants began the match removed any doubts that this was a mere “friendly” as Mduduzi Shabalala and Wandile Duba came in for some robust attention early on, particularly Duba, who was the victim of a wild knee-high studs-up assault from Marvin Sikhosana within the first five minutes that was deserving of a red card but did not even elicit a yellow.
Duba refused to be intimidated and almost broke the deadlock when he was put through by Reeve Frosler. However, Gallants keeper, Kagiso Mlambo was able to block the shot, as he did again moments later, from Christian Saile, as Amakhosi threatened to run riot.
Amakhosi’s goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma was alert to pull off a stunning save from Christopher Sithole’s effort and, in first half stoppage time, Ranga Chivaviro was unable to connect cleanly with a shot to give Chiefs the lead. It was not to be, however, as Mlambo saved once more and the teams went into the break goalless.
Amakhosi looked the likelier of the teams to find a breakthrough in the second period, with Mfundo Vilakazi prominent after coming on as a first half substitute for the injured Christian Saile. Twice, the gifted teenager created opportunities with his incisive passing, with Shabalala coming close to finding the net. Chivaviro, too, was causing a threat and stung the palms of Mlambo again on the hour mark.
As the game neared its end both coaches made multiple substitutions and the play meandered to a tame conclusion, to be decided from the spot.
Yusuf Maart, Frosler, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Inacio Miguel all converted, with Bvuma coming up trumps, saving from Mpho Chabatsane and Xola Mlambo, to clinch the cup for Amakhosi.
