New Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has explained why he did not substitute youngster Nkosana Mbuthu despite his costly first-half error.
Mbuthu, 18, is the son of former Chiefs midfielder Patrick ‘Ace’ Mbuthu and previously played for Chiefs’ Diski Challenge side.
However, on Sunday the attacking midfielder was a surprise starter out of his left-back position amid the club’s injury crisis at that position after Bongani Sam and Edmilson Dove suffered injuries in Turkey.
Mbuthu lost the ball ahead of the Young Africans’ second goal just before half-time in their 4-0 defeat to the Tanzanian champions. However, Nabi insisted that mistakes are part of football and he did not want to shatter his confidence by taking him off the field.
“Mbuthu is a young player. I am sure he will be a great player in the future,” he said. SuperSport TV.
“I’m not a left-back and he’s left-footed. It’s normal, it’s a new kind of friendly match for him.
“I didn’t take him off because I want to give him confidence. I’m happy with his performance.
“Yes, he lost the ball before the goal, but that’s normal, it’s football. But if I take it away, I’ll kill him straight away.
“It is my responsibility to protect him and help him thrive in the future.”
