Nasreddine Nabi has explained why new signing Flavio Silva was not used as Kaizer Chiefs struggled to find the back of the net against Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday.
Chiefs perfect start to the season was stopped on its tracks as they were made to settle for a point against Sundowns in a Betway Premiership match played at a frenetic pace at FNB Stadium.
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To their credit, the stalemate was not for a lack of trying on Amakhosi’s part. They attempted 13 shots at goals, almost double the seven that the visitors managed, with four of those on target.
Wandile Duba could not convert past Ronwen Williams, prompting a change with Ashley Du Preez brought on in the second half.
The former Stellies man did not fare much better either, and with Silva on the bench, questions were raised as to why the new man was not brought on.
Speaking to media at the post-match press conference, Nabi said he felt the lanky marksman had not had enough match rhythm to be brought on in a big match.
"Silva? Well, his last game was at the Toyota Cup against Asante Kotoko, and you know today was [too much of] a big game to throw him out there, after spending a month without a competitive game,” Nabi said, speaking through translator and assistant coach Cedric Kaze.
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"It would not have been [smart], so that’s why we decided to keep him on the bench. But I am pretty sure in the future he will help us."
Silva may get his chance at a competitive debut against Golden Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (17:30).
