The fallout from the 1-1 draw between Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs has sparked a fascinating debate regarding the evolution of the “Glamour Boys.” In a candid post-match analysis, Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso suggested that despite their current league form, Amakhosi were a more formidable opponent under former manager Nasreddine Nabi.
Cardoso’s comments come at a time when the current co-coaching duo of Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze are steering Chiefs through their most successful statistical season since 2020.
The Comparison: Transition vs. Physicality
Cardoso drew a sharp contrast between the tactical identities of the two eras, specifically referencing the matches played during the previous campaign.
- The Nabi Era: Cardoso noted that Nabi’s side was “much more dangerous” in transition. Their ability to punish teams on the counter-attack made them a nightmare to manage, culminating in Chiefs eliminating Sundowns from the Nedbank Cup semi-finals last year.
- The Current Regime: While the present-day Chiefs are high in the standings, Cardoso felt his side remained in control at Loftus Versfeld, even after being reduced to 10 men. He described the current approach as more reliant on physical aggression rather than the clinical tactical transitions seen previously.
The Paradox of Success
The irony of Cardoso’s analysis lies in the results. Nasreddine Nabi delivered the Nedbank Cup but only lasted four months into the new season before his departure. Conversely, the Youssef-Kaze partnership has brought a level of consistency to Naturena that has been missing for years, keeping the club firmly in the hunt for continental qualification.
