Nurkovic put out yet another man of the match display as Chiefs fought to a thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Polokwane City at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon.
The Serbian provided two assists in the space of just five minutes to helps his side draw level after being 2-0 down, before his well-hit long-range strike found the back of the net just seconds later.
The 28-year-old, who took his tally this season to 13 league goals – just one behind leading scorer Gabadinho Mhango, showed true never-say-die spirit that coach Ernst Middendorp feels is the envy of many players.
"We have experienced players like Daniel Cardoso, Khama Billiat, Lazarous [Kambole], [Anthony] Akumu – by the way he played a really good game, in particular in the second half, and Erick Mathoho," Middendorp said in his post-match media briefing.
"These are players who can handle a situation of being 0-1 or 0-2 down, as we saw, and no doubt Samir Nurkovic is a player who demonstrates the ambition and spirit that you need from each and everybody, to influence teammates and the players around him.
"I think that's very, very important to look into, and there I fully agree that he's one of our core players for the entire season, and that's probably one of the guys with a huge contribution to the position Kaizer Chiefs is in."
Amakhosi now sit six points clear at the top of the log standings after 24 matches played, though second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns still have a game in hand.