Things falling back in to place for Nurkovic
SAMIR Nurkovic says he is in a good place physically and mentally as he finally ended his goal drought for Kaizer Chiefs this season when he scored in their 3-1 win over Chippa United in a Premiership clash at Nelson Mandela Stadium on Saturday.
Three seasons ago, the Serbian striker enjoyed a fruitful start to life at Amakhosi as he scored 14 goals and registered six assists in 31 matches.
But a change of coach and a longterm injury suffered in pre-season saw his numbers decline.
He only managed six goals and four assists last term. Following another long injury lay-off, the Serbian's form dropped this season before he finally scored for Chiefs in Saturday's win.
“We have to be realistic, I was going through a lot of challenges after my surgery,” Nurkovic said.
“But I was working hard on my physical and mental state.
“I think things are falling back into the right place once again at the moment.”
Nurkovic says he is not planning to rest on his laurels as he wants “to do my best in every game and to help the team in the best possible way”.
And that will have to continue tomorrow when they welcome TS Galaxy to FNB Stadium.
Chiefs are third on the league standings with 38 points, 13 behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, and are hell bent on finishing in the top two.
Galaxy, meanwhile, are eager to avoid relegation as they are 15th and one point ahead of bottom side Baroka FC.
The odds favour Chiefs going into the match after Galaxy were hammered by Royal AM 4-1 on Saturday.
But Chiefs will have to guard against complacency, given that TS Galaxy knocked them out of the Nedbank Cup last 32 earlier this year.
“Obviously, we have to respect each and every team that we play against,” Nurkovic said.
“(Saturday) everybody is playing football and it is getting better and better each and every year. Everything is on a higher level with every passing game.
“But we have to look at ourselves and improve on our performances in each and every game.
“If we perform the way we did against Chippa, everything will be fine. We just have to carry on with the same fighting spirit and respect all teams.”
For the first time in over two years, Chiefs will play in front of
50% of a stadium's capacity at home when they host SuperSport United next Saturday.
But how important is it for the team to get a win over Galaxy tomorrow?
“I personally can't wait to have the supporters, the Amakhosi family, back in the stands,” Nurkovic, who is called Kokota Piano by the fans, said.
“They are like our 12th player all the time and they always give us some extra motivation."
Chiefs have played two games fewer than most teams in the league after forfeiting them due to a Covid-19 outbreak at Naturena in December. And with the future of their arbitration case still up in the air, they have to control what they can and win matches.