Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi, who recently led Kaizer Chiefs to their first silverware in a decade by winning the Nedbank Cup against rivals Orlando Pirates, could be leaving the club at the end of the season if his demands are not met. Nabi has publicly stated that he will only stay with the club if his transfer budget and specific transfer targets are fulfilled by the management.
Nabi took over as head coach at the start of the 2024/25 season, inheriting a team struggling to find consistent form in the Premier Soccer League. Despite the cup success, Kaizer Chiefs have had a challenging league campaign, currently sitting in 9th place with 30 points from 26 matches, having won 8, drawn 6, and lost 12 games.
The club’s board is expected to make a final decision on Nabi’s future based on the team’s final league standings. The Chiefs are under pressure to finish in the top 8 to secure a spot in the MTN8 competition, and Nasreddine Nabi has emphasized his focus on these remaining games, stating he does not want to lose the momentum gained from the cup victory. However, rumours have circulated that the club is considering other coaching options, despite management publicly backing Nabi and expressing confidence in his project for the team.
Nabi’s demands center around strengthening the squad during the upcoming transfer window. He insists that without adequate financial backing and the ability to bring in key players to address the team’s weaknesses, he will consider moving on.
Kaizer Chiefs’ season has been a mixed bag, with flashes of brilliance overshadowed by inconsistent performances in the league. The recent cup triumph has provided a morale boost and a glimpse of potential under Nabi’s leadership. Yet, the club’s ambitions for a strong league finish and sustained success hinge on whether the management can meet the coach’s demands and retain his services for the future.