Nasreddine Nabi Dismissed as Kaizer Chiefs Head Coach Amid Struggles
In a surprising turn of events, Kaizer Chiefs have officially parted ways with head coach Nasreddine Nabi. The Tunisian-born manager, who took over the coaching reins just a few months ago in July 2024, has been dismissed from his role following the team’s ongoing struggles in the DStv Premiership.
Nabi’s appointment was seen as a significant move by the club to restore its glory. Bringing a wealth of experience from coaching across Africa and the Middle East, Nabi arrived at Chiefs with high expectations, having previously led Young Africans to domestic success in Tanzania and guided teams like ASFAR in Morocco. He signed a two-year contract with the Glamour Boys, but it now appears his tenure will be cut short, just months into the 2024-2025 season.
The decision to relieve Nabi of his duties comes after mounting pressure from fans and management over the team’s inconsistent performances. Chiefs have struggled to find form in recent matches, with disappointing results in the Premiership and lackluster displays in various cup competitions. Despite his pedigree, Nabi’s strategies seemed unable to gel with the squad, leading to concerns about the team’s prospects this season.
Kaizer Chiefs’ management released a statement confirming the departure, expressing gratitude for Nabi’s contributions during his short stint with the club. “We acknowledge the hard work and commitment shown by coach Nabi, but after careful consideration, the club has decided to go in a different direction,” the statement read. Chiefs’ hierarchy emphasized their commitment to finding a coach who can bring immediate success and align with the club’s long-term ambitions.
Nabi, who holds a UEFA Pro coaching license, had initially joined the Chiefs’ technical team with great optimism. His track record in African club competitions and success in winning titles was expected to boost Chiefs’ fortunes. However, the pressure of leading one of South Africa’s most storied football clubs, paired with the demands for immediate results, proved too much in the face of the team’s challenges this season.
Fans are now left speculating on who might take over from Nabi. Some reports suggest that Chiefs are already exploring options for a replacement, with rumors linking both local and international candidates to the position. In the interim, the club’s assistant coaches will likely take charge as Chiefs aim to stabilize their season.
This marks another chapter in Kaizer Chiefs’ ongoing quest to return to the top of South African football after several seasons without major silverware. As the search for a new head coach begins, the club will be hoping for a swift turnaround to get back on track.