Nurkovic impresses coach Hunt
CHIEFS STRIKER STANDS IN ADMIRABLY IN MPHAHLELE’S ABSENCE
Gavin Hunt has showered Samir Nurkovic with praise, after the Kaizer Chiefs forward was handed the captain’s armband in a goalless DStv Premiership draw at Stellenbosch FC on Saturday, just four games into his return to the side following a groin injury.
Nurkovic took over the captaincy at the Danie Craven Stadium with Ramahlwe Mphahlele out injured, while club captain Itumeleng Khune is not currently being selected in the Amakhosi squad by Hunt.
“He leads by example, that is what we need in the future at this club, people with game toughness, he is one of them. Rama has been captain and if he comes back he will be captain again,” said Hunt, who could have Mphahlele back as early as tomorrow’s game at home to Baroka FC.
Nurkovic has been a main reason for Amakhosi’s recovery in their last few games, returning from injury to help his side to three Premiership wins in a row, with a goal and two assists to his name already this season.
He was not able to produce against Stellenbosch, though he fought as hard as usual, missing a gilt-edged opportunity to snatch the win in the last 10 minutes.
“We went for it, we were brave in the second half, but they
(Stellenbosch) could have got a few as well,” added Hunt.
“It was a good away performance at times, they have a lot of pace up front, they bring you onto them and when the ball turns over (they come at you)…so you have to play with end-product, and not turn the ball over. But that takes time (in training).”
Stellenbosch, indeed, should have scored twice not long after half- time, with substitute Leletu Skelem taking too long and seeing his shot blocked by Erick Mathoho, while Nigerian Augustine Dimgba somehow headed over minutes later with the goal at his mercy.
“It was a hard-fought match all round,” said Stellies head coach Steve Barker.
“We were very disappointed in midweek (with a 3-2 home defeat by Baroka). We have been giving too many goals away and I think we have done well. We didn’t allow them to play through the middle…they had a lot of possession, but they also didn’t create much. In the second half, in the first 10 minutes, the Leletu and Stanley (Dimgba) chances, those have to be taken.”