Nasreddine Nabi’s report card on debutants Thabo Cele and Glody Lilepo

Cele came on for George Matlou in the 51st minute and Lilepo, replaced Mdu Shabalala just after the hour mark.

But they still ended on the losing side, as Orlando Pirates beat Chiefs 1-0 at FNB stadium. But Nabi was satisfied with their contribution.

"For the time that they were on the field, they showed some good quality but you have to understand that they only trained for four days with long trips from Europe. They were not training regularly before they came but even in the few minutes that they played you see that there is quality,” Nabi said.

“And for that as well we are happy with the players that came on and we take this opportunity as well to say thank you to the management for those signings."

READ: Miguel Cardoso explains Peter Shalulile tactical masterclass

This was Chiefs’ sixth loss this season, and they have lost some ground on closing the gap with the top three teams, sitting seven points behind Polokwane City, who are third on the log.

They are also 15 points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who also have two games in hand and nine points behind Pirates, who have three games in hand.

But Nabi still believes that his team is on the right track after 15 matches played.

"But honestly, ladies and gentlemen, okay we lose this game, it's the derby so it's not good but it's only three points. We lose three points, we have another opportunity, another derby, minimum one derby this season but I think I'm very happy with the progress in my team,” he added.

“In five, six months, the team has progressed with the project. The mentality changed in the team if we compare it to last season and we want positive, positive [mentality] for the players and the fans.

“We promised them Kaizer Chiefs will come back, we lost the game but we feel that there were very good things about the team today."