Former Kaizer Chiefs striker robbed of top awards?

Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Samir Nurkovic feels that he was unfairly denied top awards for his first PSL season in the latest news from the Serbian.

Nurkovic made a great start to his time in South Africa, banging in goals as Kaizer Chiefs raced out to a lead in the 2019/2020 season.

Kaizer Chiefs news: Striker robbed of top awards?

However, the season would be suspended by the pandemic, and when the campaign restarted, things fell apart for both Kaizer Chiefs and Nurkovic.

A second season at Chiefs failed to deliver, and he soon departed the club.

The Serbian struggled to find a club and spent an ill-fated spell at Royal AM. The Durban club were ordered to pay R12 million to the striker or face a FIFA ban.

He finally came to settle at TS Galaxy, where he is now looking to rebuild.

Why no awards?

Nurkovic cannot account for why his first season didn’t draw plaudits and gongs. Nurkovic had more goal involvement in the campaign than any other player.

“I was the best contributor in the league,” said Nurkovic in an interview with FARPost.

“The first season for the foreign player, I was expecting them to give me some awards, but they didn’t; they skipped me.

“I’m still confused as to why they did that.

“I had a very good season; there’s a lot of other factors that come in, like the first season in the country as a foreign player. You have to see that.

“To do this, a lot of players need time to adjust, but that was my first season.

“I was really surprised I didn’t get anything in that season.

“Nevertheless, I enjoyed, and I’m still enjoying [playing in South Africa]. I had a little bit of setbacks, but I’m still professional, and I’m working hard.

“I’m back on the field, and I’m going to try and score as much goals as possible.”

One step at a time

Nurkovic is taking his fightback one step at a time and says that he is all about TS Galaxy right now.

“I never put myself under pressure by looking far into the future and winning the trophy.

“I don’t think trophies determine whether you are a good player or not,” Nurkovic said, according to IOL.

He also added: “I always put the team first and always try to give my best. If each and every player did that, then the road to the trophy would be much easier.

“And so far, the team is doing well; they are showing a great fighting spirit. The coaching staff is also doing an incredible work. I think everything is in our hands. We need to continue fighting.”