Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has explained his decision not to substitute youngster Nkosana Mbuthu despite his costly error against Young African SC.

The 18-year-old played at left back after he was named in the starting line up to face Yanga SC

However, Mbuthu made a crucial error on the stroke of half time which resulted in Yanga scoring their second goal of the game.

The Tanzanian giants went on to secure a comfortable 4-0 victory over Amakhosi at the Toyota Stadium on Sunday.

The Amakhosi mentor has since explained why he did not substitute the youngster despite his mistake.

“Mbuthu is a young player, I am sure he [will be] a big player in the future; I didn’t have a left-back and he is left-footed. It is normal, it’s a new type of friendly game for him,” the 58-year-old told SuperSport TV after the game.

“I didn’t take him out because I wanted to give him confidence. I am happy with his performance. Yes, he lost the ball before the goal but it’s normal, it’s football; but if I take him out, I kill him directly.

“It is my responsibility to protect him and to help him progress in the future.”