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Nasir ready for Chiefs? Hunt responds

Head coach Gavin Hunt has provided clarity on the arrival of Abubeker Nasir from Mamelodi Sundowns and an update on the attacker's readiness.

Amatsatsantsa announced on Thursday morning that the Ethiopian international had joined from Sundowns on what presumed to be a one-year loan deal. The announcement comes just two days before SuperSport's Betway Premiership encounter against Amakhosi.

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Speaking to media at the club's base in Sunninghill on Thursday, Hunt admitted that a fit Nasir could be an asset but also warned that it would be a while before the speedy winger is match-fit.

"Obviously we've got more time [to train] again, because now I see the fixtures have changed again. So, we play on Wednesday and then we don't play for a month again until the end of November.

"So, I mean, it's absolutely crazy. So hopefully we can get somebody fit to come back, but I don't think it's about he strikers, I think it's about the construction of players in certain positions that haven't been available.

"And we can't afford to have one or two out, while the squads that we play against, they can afford to have four or five out and not look any different."

"I don't know (if it's a loan or permanent tranfer], I can't really tell you the inside [details], but I think it's a year sort-of loan deal, and obviously we have to try and get him fit," he added.

"He's had a major problem there; it was a horrendous tackle on the boy by the Pirates goalkeeper (Siyabonga Mpontshane), I mean, you can go to jail for those types of tackles.

"But ja, it's unfortunate, so he's been in and out, and I think they had to move a foreigner off their books, but it doesn't help us if somebody's not fit to play."

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Nasir announced himself on the the South African football scene with an impressive performance against Kaizer Chiefs in 2022. Hunt is keeping fingers crossed that the Ethiopian can rediscover that form.

"If we can get that guy eh, if we can have that guy. We know there is a bit of pace in him which is what we need. We know he can play in a front three. I think he can play in a front two, but I don't think he can play by himself. He can give us options if he is fit," Hunt added. 

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