Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has strongly dismissed ongoing rumours suggesting he will leave the club at the end of the current season. Speaking at a recent press conference, the Tunisian tactician labelled the speculation as “unprofessional” and “disrespectful,” voicing his frustration with what he sees as baseless reporting.
The rumours surfaced from a media report alleging that the Chiefs hierarchy had already decided to part ways with Nabi at the conclusion of the season—regardless of the team’s results, including the Nedbank Cup final. The report suggested that the club was preparing for a new direction, fueling uncertainty around Nabi’s tenure just days before one of the most significant matches of the season.
Trophy Triumph Overshadowed by Exit Talk
On May 10, Kaizer Chiefs defeated their fierce rivals Orlando Pirates 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup final, securing the club’s first major trophy in a decade. The victory was a significant milestone, both for the club and for Nabi, who had taken over amid high expectations.
However, the triumph did little to silence the chatter surrounding his future. While the cup win earned praise from fans and pundits, the team’s underwhelming league form continues to raise questions. Chiefs are currently ninth in the DStv Premiership table and risk missing out on a top-eight finish for the second consecutive season.
Negative Impact on Team Morale
Nabi expressed disappointment at the timing and nature of the rumours, stating that such speculation could destabilize the team at a critical point in the season. He emphasized the detrimental effect the reports have had on his players and the overall atmosphere within the camp.
“This kind of news is bad for me,” Nabi said. “They create confusion in my team. This is not professional, and it’s not correct.”
He added that repeated reports about his supposed departure created unnecessary distractions that could impact performance on the pitch. “Why every time there’s a report about Nabi leaving or staying? Why always me?” he asked, clearly frustrated. “I respect you, I respect all the journalists. I need all journalists to respect me as well.”
Rumours Spark Continental Confusion
The fallout from the rumours has not been confined to South Africa. According to Nabi, the speculation about his future has led to widespread confusion across the continent, with calls coming in from clubs and contacts under the impression that he is now a free agent.
“The whole of Africa called me because they think I’m free, because I have finished with Kaizer Chiefs—and I’m not,” he said. “This is incorrect. Please, be professional.”
Top Eight Finish Still Hangs in the Balance
Following the press conference, Kaizer Chiefs played to a 1-1 draw with Sekhukhune United, failing to secure the three points that would have improved their standing in the league. Now, the club must win their final league match against Polokwane City and hope other results go their way if they are to finish in the top eight and qualify for the MTN8 next season.
It’s a critical juncture for the Soweto giants, and Nabi is calling for focus, not speculation. With the season’s end fast approaching, the team needs to channel its energy into finishing strongly rather than dealing with off-field distractions.
A Call for Respect and Responsible Journalism
Nabi concluded his remarks by making a heartfelt appeal to the media, urging them to report responsibly and verify information before publishing.
“I have respect for all journalists, but I ask for the same respect in return. Let’s work together professionally. These false stories do more harm than good,” he said.
While his future may remain uncertain in the eyes of the public, Nabi’s message is clear: he is still with Kaizer Chiefs, still focused on the job at hand, and still demanding the respect that any professional in his position deserves.
Related article: Final Countdown: Can Kaizer Chiefs Avoid Another Top 8 Miss?
