Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi is keeping his cool as his team prepares for a high-stakes clash against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final on Sunday evening at Loftus Versfeld. Despite the immense expectations from the Amakhosi faithful to end a 10-year trophy drought, Nabi insists the pressure is off — and the pleasure of the game remains front and center. “This is a process, not a sprint,” Nabi said during his pre-match press conference. “You say there’s pressure if we lose, but I can tell you there’s no pressure. Every game we play, there’s pleasure.”
A Trophy Drought and a Decade of Frustration
The Nedbank Cup represents Chiefs’ final opportunity to claim silverware this season and halt their decade-long dry spell, having last lifted a trophy during the 2014/15 campaign. The fans are desperate for success, but the coach remains focused on the bigger picture.
Chiefs Face Familiar Foes in Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the most dominant sides in South African football, have already beaten Chiefs three times this season across all competitions. Despite the odds, Chiefs’ supporters will travel in numbers, believing their team can finally turn the tide and restore some lost glory.
Mission: Rebuild — Not Just Win
Yet, for Nabi, it’s not just about this one match. His primary mission is to rebuild the squad and set a foundation for long-term competitiveness. “We want to win this trophy — for our supporters, the board, and the players,” he said. “We’re Kaizer Chiefs, a big club, and we play every competition to win. But again, we are still working through our process.”
Support from the Boardroom
Despite murmurs of discontent from sections of the fanbase, the Chiefs board has stood firmly behind their coach. A video of club manager Bobby Motaung expressing full confidence in Nabi recently went viral, further reinforcing the club’s commitment to the long-term vision. “When we met with the board, we agreed on a three-to-four-year plan to rebuild this team,” Nabi stated.
Fans Growing Restless, But Patience Is Key
Some Chiefs supporters are growing impatient, accusing Nabi of repeating the same excuses about the “process.” Calls for his dismissal have grown louder, especially with the threat of finishing outside the league’s top eight. But management appears aligned with his approach — for now.
Short-Term Success vs Long-Term Growth
Nabi cautions that chasing instant success could unravel the work already done. He argues that consistent change in direction derails progress and forces clubs into a cycle of rebuilding without real development. “If you shift your focus too soon, you risk starting from scratch all over again,” he said.
Looking to Rivals for Perspective
Nabi pointed to the success of teams like Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, who each went through their own rebuilding phases before becoming title contenders again. According to him, Chiefs are now following a similar path — and need to stay the course. “When some teams try to make the process work, you start mapping out your targets… Our first process is to build the team now.”
Sunday’s Clash: A Test of Progress
The upcoming semi-final is more than just a fight for a trophy. It’s a milestone in Kaizer Chiefs’ rebuild — a moment that could signal a turning point or highlight how far they still need to go. Whether it ends in triumph or heartbreak, Nabi’s mantra remains unchanged
Related article: Kaizer Chiefs’ Rebuild: Nabi Calls for Patience and Time
