Here’s what could save head coach Nasreddine Nabi’s job at Kaizer Chiefs.
Amakhosi are staring down another turbulent season, and Nabi finds himself at the centre of the storm. As pressure mounts from fans and within the club’s leadership, Nabi’s future at Chiefs now hangs by a thread, tied directly to Sunday’s critical Nedbank Cup semi-final clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Despite internal disagreements, a recent report confirmed that some Kaizer Chiefs executives were already considering parting ways with the Tunisian tactician if the Glamour Boys exit the Nedbank Cup. Others, however, urged patience, preferring to evaluate his performance at the end of the season.
Club insiders previously indicated that Kaizer Chiefs had hoped Nabi would see out his three-year contract. But a string of inconsistent performances has drastically shifted the narrative, intensifying calls for change.
Bobby Motaung reportedly defends the coach
In a crucial twist, a source close to the club revealed that Football Manager Bobby Motaung is standing firmly in Nabi’s corner. According to the insider, Motaung believes the coach deserves more time and resources to bring his vision to life.
“In the meeting after the Golden Arrows loss it was believed that certain other members would have given coach Nabi until the semi-finals against Sundowns to stay or go, depending on the result. But apparently, the football manager Bobby (Motaung) is against letting the coach being relieved of his duties at this stage of the season,” the source shared.
Motaung reportedly argued that judging Nabi solely on this season’s results is unfair, especially since the coach has yet to work with a squad tailored to his strategy.
“It’s believed that Bobby is of the view that if the coach can get in all the players he needs for next season then things can be much better. Bobby apparently believes that if the coach is given enough time until next season then the team can improve,” the source added.
Top eight finish becomes crucial to Nabi
Beyond Sunday’s semi-final, Kaizer Chiefs’ management is placing significant weight on finishing in the top eight of the league—a benchmark that secures qualification for the MTN8 and could save Nabi’s job.
“Yes, there were those thoughts about the issue of the Nedbank Cup semi-finals against Sundowns but they didn’t all agree and that’s why they are looking at the top eight finish which could be very important this season. So, for now, what we know is he will be safe if the team can qualify for the top eight at the end of the season,” the source explained.
Currently, Chiefs sit in eighth place on the PSL log. With only a few matches left, the team can’t afford any slip-ups if they want to secure MTN8 qualification and, in turn, stabilize the coaching situation.
Nabi’s do-or-die moment against Sundowns
Nabi, who arrived at Naturena at the start of the season, now faces his most defining moment yet. If he guides Chiefs past Sundowns and into the Nedbank Cup final, he might win enough favor to extend his tenure. But even without a trophy, clinching a top-eight league finish could buy him more time to rebuild.
The stakes couldn’t be higher—for Kaizer Chiefs, for their fans, and for Nasreddine Nabi. Sunday’s showdown might not just decide their cup hopes; it could determine the future of their head coach.
Stay tuned with The South African as we explain what could save head coach Nabi’s job at Naturena.
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