Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has come to the defence of new signing Flavio Silva, following mounting criticism over the striker’s early showings in Amakhosi colours.
Silva, who joined the club during the off-season, has featured prominently in Chiefs’ pre-season friendlies in the Netherlands and more recently during the Toyota Cup clash against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko.
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With matches broadcast live, supporters have been quick to scrutinise the Portuguese forward’s performances, many expressing concerns over his lack of impact.
However, Nabi has urged patience from the Amakhosi faithful, reminding fans that players need time to settle and adapt.
“I was a little bit surprised to hear about those negative comments,” Nabi said at the Betway Premiership launch in Sandton.
“But as far as a player has signed for Kaizer Chiefs, it's our duty to protect him, to work very well, and to give him time to adapt.”
The Tunisian mentor was clear that his stance wasn’t only in defence of Silva, but extended to all new recruits and emerging talent from the club’s development ranks.
“That goes not only for Flavio, but it goes for anyone that is new,” he added.
“And as well, I will not talk about him specifically, but you need to put all the new players in the same bucket, including the younger ones that come from our DDC team.”
Chiefs open their Betway Premiership campaign this weekend with a tricky test against Stellenbosch FC, where all eyes will be on Silva to prove his worth. But if Nabi's words are anything to go by, the striker still has the full backing of the technical team.
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