Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly planning to terminate the contract of head coach Nasreddine Nabi at the end of the current season, despite his recent success in winning the Nedbank Cup. The 59-year-old Tunisian tactician led Amakhosi to a dramatic 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the final held at Moses Mabhida Stadium, ending a painful 10-year trophy drought for the club.
The triumph brought joy to the Chiefs’ faithful and seemed like a breakthrough moment in what has otherwise been a challenging season. It was the club’s first major silverware since 2015, and fans hoped it would mark the beginning of a revival under Nabi’s leadership.
Club Unconvinced by Inconsistent Performances
Despite this high note, Sunday Times reported that the club’s hierarchy has already made the decision not to extend Nabi’s stay beyond the current campaign. Sources close to the club suggest that the Chiefs’ board had grown dissatisfied with the team’s inconsistent performances throughout the Betway Premiership season.
“The Sunday Times can reveal that Kaizer Chiefs’ top brass have decided against allowing Nasreddine Nabi — who was hired on a two-year deal in July, with an option to extend for another year — to continue beyond the 2024/25 campaign,” the report stated.
While Nabi’s arrival in July brought renewed optimism, especially after replacing interim coach Cavin Johnson, results on the pitch failed to meet expectations. Chiefs struggled with form and dropped crucial points in matches where they were heavily favored to win. These underwhelming league results appear to have overshadowed the recent cup success.
Nabi’s Reflections and Hopes for the Future
Speaking after the Nedbank Cup final, Nabi expressed his satisfaction with the result and reaffirmed his commitment to the project he had started at Naturena. “My first objective for the club is to place Kaizer Chiefs back in its natural position,” he said. “I’m happy for this trophy because it is going to help me continue my process, and it is going to give the fans a lot more confidence in this project.”
However, despite his enthusiasm and the newfound momentum, it seems club executives have opted for a different vision moving forward. Reports indicate that not only will Nabi depart, but his entire technical staff will also be relieved of their duties.
What Lies Ahead for Amakhosi?
The decision to part ways with Nabi raises questions about the direction Kaizer Chiefs will take in their ongoing rebuild. The club, once a dominant force in South African football, has struggled in recent years to reestablish itself among the elite. While winning the Nedbank Cup was a step in the right direction, it appears that management believes new leadership is required to sustain long-term success. As fans celebrate the long-awaited cup win, attention now shifts to who will replace Nabi and whether the next appointment can truly restore Chiefs to their former glory.
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