We gained mental strength in lockdown – Chiefs’ Nurkovic

Vusimusi Mngomezulu of Polokwane City challenged by Samir Nurkovic of Kaizer Chiefs

Monday Aug 17, 2020. 15:00

Serbian striker Samir Nurkovic says Kaizer Chiefs gained mental strength during the lockdown in South Africa, with the Soweto giants looking well placed to win the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title following the restart of football in the country.

Nurkovic netted the decisive goal in Chiefs’ come-from-behind 3-2 win over Polokwane City this past weekend, a result which saw them open up a six-point lead at the top of the log.

Five months without football was a testing time for all teams, but the striker – who has netted 13 times in the league this season – believes it has benefited the Amakhosi.

“I am really happy actually. A very important win for us. Once again, like I said during the lockdown, that five months was really important to gain the mental strength and this game has shown from our mental side that mental strength is very important for the team,” he told SuperSport cameras after the match.

He continued, “There are still six more games to play. This is in the past now. All that we can do is focus on the next match.”

Nurkovic also believes that Chiefs should stick to the principles that have worked for them thus far: “We just have to continue with the same fighting spirit and focus on the next game.”

Chiefs will look to continue their path to the league title when they face Bloemfontein Celtic in their next match, scheduled for Wednesday evening.