Read more
Chiefs legend Nomvete makes clarion call on current players
"The current Chiefs players need to step up their game," says Nomvete.
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Molefi Ntseki with players during the Kaizer Chiefs ‘Heart on Sleeve’ CSI Activation at Kaizer Chiefs Village on October 11. Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
Siyabonga “Bhele” Nomvete, a former standout player at Kaizer Chiefs, isn’t mincing words when he points out that the current squad isn’t delivering as expected.
ALSO READ: ‘Top PSL coach’ in scuffle with young schoolboy
Nomvete, who made a name for himself in the Naturena side, has some strong opinions on what’s ailing Chiefs.
Speaking after his school games, the Siyabonga Nomvete Schools Cup, in his hometown of KwaMashu last Friday, he laid it out plain and simple.
“The current Chiefs players need to step up their game,” he said, clearly frustrated with the team’s recent performances.
“The problem is within the players themselves; it’s like they’ve hit a roadblock.”
Nomvete emphasises that each player must take responsibility and strive to make a difference on the field, especially when the coach’s instructions seem unclear or challenging to execute.
He highlights that when the team underperforms, the coach often takes the heat, and the players’ roles and efforts tend to be overlooked.
Chiefs coach, Molefi Ntseki has been under enormous pressure since the season started and has already faced violent attacks by supporters twice.
One of the central issues however, according to Nomvete, is the team’s recent trophy drought.
Chiefs, a club with a storied history of winning titles in the 70s, 80s, 90s and early 2000’s, has fallen behind its counterparts, particularly Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
“Mamelodi Sundowns seem to be running their own race in the DStv Premiership unchallnged, while Orlando Pirates are making a habit of winning trophies,” Nomvete noted.
Indeed, Pirates secured the MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup last season, successfully defending their MTN8 title this term.
In contrast, Chiefs have struggled to add new silverware to their collection for almost 10 years now.
Nomvete’s passionate plea for a resurgence should resonate with fans and followers of the once-mighty Amakhosi.
He laments that the team’s hunger for titles seems to have waned, and the trophy cabinet remains sealed shut, denying the club’s rich history of its lustre.
The legendary club, with the most trophies in its cabinet, is longing for the glory days to return.
ALSO READ: Bafana coach Broos confident of reaching Afcon knockout stages
Nomvete made a clarion call to the current generation of players to rekindle the legacy and reclaim the club’s dominance in South African football.
