Nasreddine Nabi draws on experience as Kaizer Chiefs look to end trophy drought

With head coach Nasreddine Nabi well-versed in high-pressure encounters, having honed his skills during spells with AS FAR Rabat and Tanzanian side Young Africans, Kaizer Chiefs will be determined to end their lengthy trophy drought when they face Orlando Pirates in Saturday’s Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Chiefs will be counting on his experience as they seek long-overdue success and aim to lift some of the pressure that has mounted over recent seasons.

Nabi led the Tanzanian side to two FA Cup wins and also guided Moroccan outfit AS FAR Rabat to the final of the Throne Cup — a 2-1 loss against Raja Casablanca — before joining South Africa’s top division. He believes that experience could prove vital this weekend.

“We lost the final with AS FAR due to some small details; the game was finely balanced. In the last five seasons, this is my fifth final,” said Nabi.

“I think I have the experience for finals. You need a lot of self-control and calmness, and you can’t crack under pressure in such games. I understand how to approach it — tactically, psychologically, and also individually with some players.

“I have a lot of respect for the fans, and I was also affected by the (derby) result. I am not happy, and I want to thank them for the support they have shown the team."

With their Top 8 hopes hanging by a thread as they currently occupy ninth position, Amakhosi will have a final opportunity to salvage what little remains of their season. Winning the Nedbank Cup could set them up perfectly heading into what they will desperately hope to be an improved 2025/26 campaign.

The Tunisian coach admitted that talk means little at this stage, insisting that it is on the pitch where Chiefs must prove themselves as they aim to finally bring an end to a ten-year wait for silverware.

“The fans do not want to hear me talk; what they want is the result,” Nabi continued. “We will give it our all to offer them the Nedbank Cup — that is the least we can do for them this season.”

When asked about the influence of departing Orlando Pirates coach José Riveiro, Nabi spoke highly of his counterpart while noting that the beginning of his tenure was not straightforward.

“I have a lot of respect for my colleague José Riveiro. I know that the first season for him was not easy — not just for him, but it is never easy for any coach starting a process.

"I also remember Mr (Pitso) Mosimane starting with Mamelodi Sundowns; the first season was not easy, and that is normal. But if you watch what is happening now with the fans and the results, there might be some regrets that his contract is coming to an end.

“I can also give you examples from my former sides — Young Africans and Al Hilal. We built a new team, but I also understand that fans want immediate results.

"However, you cannot go with what the fans want immediately, because if you are emotional, you will be lost in the process.”