Kaizer Chiefs, one of South Africa’s most storied football clubs, has made it clear that they are committed to backing their coach, Nasreddine Nabi, despite a disappointing league campaign that saw the team finish outside the top eight for the second consecutive season. While opinions behind the scenes have been divided on Nabi’s future at the club, the Chiefs management has chosen to place their faith in the Tunisian-born mentor, signalling that they are committed to his long-term project. Here’s a look at why Nabi still enjoys the backing of the Chiefs’ management and what this means for the club’s future.
A Mixed Season for Kaizer Chiefs
The 2024/25 season was one that saw Kaizer Chiefs struggle to live up to their usual high standards in the South African footballing landscape. For the second year in a row, they finished outside the top eight in the Betway Premiership, a position that has been largely seen as disappointing for a club of their stature. For many supporters, the absence of Amakhosi in the top-flight league standings for two consecutive seasons was an unwelcome reality, with some calling for drastic changes in the coaching staff.
Despite the league setback, Kaizer Chiefs did secure a major victory by winning the prestigious Nedbank Cup. Under the guidance of Nabi, Amakhosi triumphed over fierce rivals Orlando Pirates, clinching the trophy in what was an emotional and much-needed win for the club. This victory not only ended a 10-year trophy drought but also gave the team some much-needed silverware and a sense of pride.
While the Nedbank Cup victory was a much-needed success, the team’s struggles in the league have led to mixed opinions about Nabi’s tenure at the club. Critics argue that the team’s inconsistency in the league should be addressed and that Nabi must show significant improvements in his second season. On the other hand, supporters of the coach believe that the Tunisian mentor has shown promise and needs time to build a competitive team capable of challenging for both domestic and continental glory.
The Insider’s Perspective: Faith in Nabi’s Project
Despite the mixed reactions within the club’s ranks, it appears that Kaizer Chiefs’ management is firmly behind Nabi for the immediate future. A reliable insider with close access to Chiefs’ internal discussions has suggested that while there are still differences of opinion between the club’s board members and management regarding Nabi’s future, it is clear that the club is willing to give him the opportunity to continue working on his project.
This stance from the club’s hierarchy comes as no surprise. The Chiefs leadership, led by Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Junior, is believed to have seen signs of progress under Nabi, and that is why they are determined to give him the time and resources needed to build a squad capable of competing on all fronts next season. The focus for now is to give Nabi what he needs during the upcoming European pre-season tour, with the hope that this investment in the team’s development will yield positive results in the upcoming 2025/26 season.
“For the club, although there are different opinions between members of management and the board on whether the coach should be given another chance, it was clear they wanted him to stay. You remember I told you before that the coach will join the pre-season in Europe? It’s apparently believed that the management led by the football department headed by the Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Junior, are seeing progress with the coach and that’s why it’s believed he will still be here next season,” an insider revealed.
This shift in sentiment, from uncertainty to a stronger vote of confidence, underscores the importance of the upcoming season for Nabi’s future. It’s clear that Chiefs are prepared to back their coach, but the expectation is that his methods will begin to bear fruit in the form of better league performances and continued success in cup competitions.
What’s Next for Nabi and Kaizer Chiefs?
The Tunisian-born coach’s tenure at Chiefs has been marked by both highs and lows, and the focus is now on building a squad capable of challenging for top honors. Nabi’s contract with the club includes a one-year extension option, which will only be triggered if the team performs well in the upcoming season. According to sources close to the club, Nabi’s future at Chiefs will be closely assessed after the 2025/26 season, with the decision to exercise the one-year option based on how well the team does in the league and other competitions.
“For now he is safe for the next season. They are believed to be looking at giving him what he wants to build the squad and that he wants them to judge him after that. And depending on what will happen at the end of the season, they will then look at the one-year option,” the insider explained.
This reflects the club’s cautious yet hopeful approach to its long-term project. Chiefs will be looking for significant improvements on the field, particularly in the league, where a higher finish and potential continental qualification are expected. These targets will be seen as the minimum requirements for Nabi to secure his future beyond the 2025/26 season.
The Importance of the European Pre-Season Tour
As part of the preparations for the new season, Nabi and the team will embark on a pre-season tour in Europe. This trip is critical not only for preparing the team physically but also for giving the coach an opportunity to further shape the squad in his image. The pre-season tour will be key for Nabi as he aims to build the cohesion and understanding necessary to compete at the highest level.
The tour also gives Nabi a chance to test his tactical ideas against tougher European opposition and further fine-tune his squad. Given that Chiefs have been one of South Africa’s most successful footballing institutions, expectations will be high for the upcoming season, and the pre-season will play an important role in setting the tone for the campaign ahead.
The Challenges Ahead
While the club’s backing is encouraging for Nabi, the challenges are only just beginning. Amakhosi’s supporters will demand a higher level of consistency, particularly in the league, where the team’s failure to finish in the top eight was a bitter disappointment. The Nedbank Cup triumph was a positive step, but Chiefs’ ambitions go beyond domestic cup success.
Nabi will be expected to find the right balance between competing in the league, pursuing continental success, and maintaining a competitive squad. The looming pressure will come from all angles, especially with the expectation that he will lead the team to a top-four finish in the league and secure a spot in continental competitions.
Despite the hurdles, Nabi will be determined to prove his critics wrong. With the club’s backing and the chance to work with a squad he has had a year to assess, the Tunisian coach will have everything to play for as he enters his second season at the helm of one of South Africa’s biggest football clubs.
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In the end, Nasreddine Nabi’s future at Kaizer Chiefs appears secure for now, as the club’s management places faith in his project and provides him with the necessary resources to build a competitive team for the upcoming season. The journey ahead will not be easy, but with the right support and a successful European pre-season tour, Nabi could yet prove that he is the right man to take Amakhosi back to the top of South African football.
