Nasreddine Nabi salutes gritty Kaizer Chiefs after Nedbank Cup triumph

Nabi revealed that several players were already sidelined before kick-off, while others pushed through injuries to help the team secure a place in the final.

"Maybe before the game, we didn't discuss injured players. But maybe now it's time to say that before this game, we lost Miguel (Inacio). Then we were unlucky with Edmilson Dove and Zitha Kwinika, all of them also got injured," Nabi told the media.

The injury setbacks forced Chiefs to promote young defender Aden McCarthy to the senior team setup, with Nabi confirming the player is training with the first team.

Despite the physical toll, Nabi praised his players' commitment, especially those who chose to play through pain, such as Thabo Cele, Dove, and Kwinika.

"Cele played with an injury today (Sunday). When you see the performance of our players, you can understand how much they love this team, how much they deserve to be here, and what they've already accomplished, beating Sundowns," said Nabi after the match.

"Thanks to the players, because some, when they get injured, might decide not to play in a game like this, a semi-final against Sundowns. But Dove and Zitha showed big mental strength and sacrifice."

With a place in the Nedbank Cup final now secured, Nabi will be hoping for a speedy recovery for his injured players.

Chiefs turn their focus back to the Betway Premiership as they prepare for an away clash against Chippa United on Saturday, with ambitions of climbing the league table.