One day, the full story may emerge about what really went down between former Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi and his then-assistants now co-head coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.
While no one has officially confirmed the details, it’s no secret that there’s lingering tension. Nabi’s farewell message after leaving the club pointedly left out both Kaze and Ben Youssef even though he thanked almost everyone else, down to his pet mongoose, Humphrey.
A Plot Behind the Scenes?
Speculation has been rife that Nabi may have felt betrayed during his time away from the club earlier this season. He had returned to Tunisia after his wife was involved in a serious road accident. When he came back, the atmosphere at Naturena appeared different.
Shortly after Chiefs’ Betway Premiership loss to Sekhukhune United, Nabi’s time at the club was over. Reports about him not having the right CAF coaching licence for African competitions were seen by many as a diversion raising questions about what really happened behind the scenes.
Kaze Chooses Diplomacy
Asked this week about the apparent snub and the nature of his relationship with Nabi, Kaze refused to add fuel to the fire.
“I worked with Nabi for three seasons and I wish him well, I told him that,” Kaze said.
“I hope he is going to find something that suits him in the near future.”
The Zimbabwean tactician kept his response professional, avoiding any direct comment on the supposed fallout. But the silence itself speaks volumes to many observers.
Pressure Mounts on Kaze and Ben Youssef
Regardless of past drama, the present is becoming increasingly urgent for Amakhosi. Chiefs have gone three Premiership games without a win, and both Kaze and Ben Youssef could face the same fate as Nabi if results don’t improve fast.
Their next test comes tonight when Chiefs face Siwelele FC at home a must-win to steady their stuttering campaign.
Missed Chances Haunting Amakhosi
Amakhosi’s inability to convert opportunities has become a major talking point. Successive missed penalties against Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu have raised concerns about the team’s composure.
Ashley Du Preez missed a glaring chance against AS Simba in the CAF Confederation Cup, and Khanyisa Mayo infamously tapped in Pule Mmodi’s goal-bound shot while offside, costing Chiefs a crucial goal.
Kaze has pointed to bad luck, but a club of Chiefs’ stature will need more than excuses if they hope to turn their season around.
Kaizer Chiefs: The Road Ahead
The off-field tension surrounding Nabi’s exit may remain unspoken for now, but results on the pitch will ultimately decide the fate of those who stayed behind.
If Kaze and Ben Youssef can’t inspire a turnaround, they could be following Nabi out of Naturena sooner rather than later.
For now, Kaze may not be spilling the beans but the story behind Chiefs’ coaching saga is far from over.
Related article: Kaizer Chiefs’ Mayo Opens Up About Offside Error Against AmaZulu
