Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi did not hold back in his praise of his rival clubs Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Stellenbosch FC following their exploits in CAF competitions.
Pirates and Sundowns are both advanced to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League this week, while Stellies achieved the same feat in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Meanwhile, Chiefs fans would have looked on with envy as their side hold but a glimmer of hope for some silverware in the Nedbank Cup as they are currently eighth in the Betway Premiership.
Chiefs take on the mighty Sundowns in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Sunday.
South African football's rise: Nabi Praises Sundowns, Pirates, and Stellenbosch
Despite their impending clash, Nabi gushed with compliments for his rival clubs.
“I want to say congratulations to Sundowns, Pirates, and Stellenbosch. In the semi-final of the Champions League, we have two teams from South Africa,” Nabi said.
“This will improve the level of football in South Africa. I think the level will also improve in the next season because the competition among teams is stronger than before.”
Nabi went on to specifically pay tribute to his fellow coaches.
“I want to say thank you to my colleagues, (Jose) Riveiro, (Miguel) Cardoso, and Steve (Barker),” said the Tunisian tactician.
“They deserve to be in this situation, but I feel a little sad because Sundowns beat my Tunisian team Esperance, but honestly, they deserve to be in the semi-final.
“We have to continue like that for the benefit of South African football.”