Kaizer Chiefs and Serbian international striker Samir Nurkovic has settled in quickly in South African football and he attributes this to the warm welcome he’s received at his new club.
Nurkovic recently scored his first goal in the Absa Premiership during a one-all draw against SuperSport United.
After four games played in the league, Nurkovic who joined Chiefs as a free agent from Serbian second division in June, is sitting on a goal and a two assists. And he’s already hoping to help the club return back to its glory days.
It’s been a busy day….@KaizerChiefs new striker Samir Nurkovic is taking the @OfficialPSL by storm. He’s got a goal and an assist from four matches and a huge influence in their attack… #AbsaPrem #sabcnews @SPORTATSABC pic.twitter.com/AZryF3H00B
— Velile Mnyandu ?? (@Velile_Mnyandu) September 11, 2019
Chiefs host Polokwane City in the league game at FNB Stadium on Saturday (Kick-off at 18:00).
Some PSL coaches, have already identified Nurkovic as a threat and it’s also his ability to play both with his feet and aerially which will give the defenders some sleepless nights.
The Chiefs games so far have been well attended, the first game against Highlands Park at Makhulong stadium was sold out, there were good turnouts for the home games against Black Leopards and SuperSport United at Moses Mabhida Stadium and FNB Stadium respectively. The Cape Town City game was also near fully capacity at Newlands Stadium recently.
Strikers in the PSL have found it difficult to hit the back of the net, there hasn’t been a striker who managed to reach the 20 goal mark since Siyabonga “Bhele” Nomvete’s exploits in 2012.
Normally some strikers will have a good start but the coaches and defenders will plan for them as the season progresses. But Nurkovic says the primary goal is always to help the team achieve.
Listen | Why Nurkovic has settled quickly at Chiefs
At the @KaizerChiefs training session this morning in Naturena as they’re building up to their #AbsaPrem game vs @polokwane_city at FNB stadium on Saturday. #sabcnews @SPORTATSABC pic.twitter.com/mJdxp4xiIE
— Velile Mnyandu ?? (@Velile_Mnyandu) September 11, 2019
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs’ new signing, Lazarous Kambole, has pleaded with coach Ernst Middendorp to play him as an out and out striker.
The former Zesco United player said he was ready to help Chiefs get back where they belong, but only if he’s afforded that opportunity. Middendorp has been playing Kambole as a winger which resulted in him missing many opportunities.
Kambole has been touted as one of Amakhosi’s best signings this season. A lot was expected from him since joining the team in June this year. However, he’s yet to score for Chiefs in the ABSA Premiership.
Despite not winning any silverware for four seasons, Chiefs started with a bang this season and are top of the log. They have won three of their four Premiership matches and has one draw, while they scored sevens goals.
After a well deserved international break, Chiefs will take on Polokwane City at the FNB Stadium on Saturday evening. Polokwane City is fifth on the log with two wins, one draw and one loss, but have scored two goals.
The match at the FNB Stadium kicks off at 6pm on Saturday.
