Kaizer Chiefs’ goalkeeper Brian Baloyi Compares Coach Nabi to Legendary Muhsin Ertuğral.
In a recent episode of Podcast and Chill with MacG, Baloyi, the legendary goalkeeper of Kaizer Chiefs, made an exciting comparison between current head coach Nasreddine Nabi and the club’s former mentor, Muhsin Ertuğral. Baloyi underscored Nabi’s dedication to developing young talent, stating. “He loves youngsters,” as quoted by iDiski Times. This commitment to youth development echoes Ertuğral’s legacy, who famously handed a young Itumeleng Khune his debut at just 16 years old. Khune has since built a remarkable career, solidifying his status as a club legend.
Since taking over the reins at Naturena, Nabi has shown a remarkable willingness to trust young players. Baloyi pointed out that under Nabi’s guidance, emerging talents such as Wandile Duba, Mfundo Vilakazi, Samkelo Zwane, and Mduduzi Shabalala have received significant playing time. “You’ll see a lot of the youngsters, ‘cos this man reminds me a lot of Muhsin Ertuğral,” Baloyi said. By giving these young athletes the chance to express themselves on the field, Nabi fosters an environment where they can thrive.
This approach not only instils confidence in young players but also aligns with the club’s long-term vision of building a robust squad. The willingness to incorporate youth into the first team speaks volumes about Nabi’s coaching philosophy, making it a thrilling time for Kaizer Chiefs fans.
Edson Castillo’s national team call-up despite Nabi’s words
In another significant development, Kaizer Chiefs’ attacking midfielder Edson Castillo has received a surprise call-up to the Venezuelan national team for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Paraguay. This selection comes even after Coach Nabi expressed concerns about Castillo’s recent performances. Last season, Castillo was one of Chiefs’ standout players, but his form declined toward the end, contributing to the club’s disappointing 10th-place finish.
Nabi candidly acknowledged Castillo’s struggles, stating. “Castillo last season started good, but he went down… maybe that situation impacted his morale, his confidence.” The coach emphasised the importance of regaining confidence, saying. “I give him a chance, but there aren’t many chances left.” Nabi’s remarks underline the challenge Castillo faces as he seeks to regain his form and secure his place in both the Chiefs lineup and the national team.
Venezuela currently ranks sixth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings with 10 points, and Castillo’s selection reflects the trust placed in him by the national team coach.
Thursday, October 10: Venezuela vs. Argentina (Caracas)
Tuesday, October 15: Paraguay vs. Venezuela (Asunción)
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