Is Nasreddine Nabi’s future at Kaizer Chiefs under threat after rift with management?
On borrowed time? According to reports, Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi is on borrowed time at the club following a disagreement with the club's management. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs on Facebook
Image: Kaizer Chiefs on Facebook
A number of reports on Tuesday have cast in doubt Nasreddine Nabi’s future with Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs.
Over the weekend, Nabi missed the club’s opening Betway Premiership game against Stellenbosch FC, a match they went on to win 2-0. Following an accident involving his wife, the club announced that Nabi would be returning to Tunisia.
However, it has now been reported that following a meeting between the club and coach a few days ago, relations between the two parties have since soured.
According to Soccer Laduma, Chiefs’ management expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance following the pre-season tour in the Netherlands and the defeat to Asante Kotoko in the Toyota Cup.
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When Nabi is back in South Africa from Tunisia and further discussions are had, a clearer picture will emerge about his future, the report goes on to state.
Assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef stepped in to lead the team in Cape Town during Nabi’s absence over the weekend. It was the second time that Youssef had been in charge of the team on match-day over the last year.
Last season, Youssef was on the sidelines two matches when Nabi served a two-game suspension. On the back of two defeats, Chiefs rebounded under Youssef, winning both games he was in charge of. They beat Sekhukhune 1-0, and hammered minnows Free Agents 4-0 in the Nedbank Cup.
Back-to-back victories, a rarity for the club last season, helped Youssef win over the fans. Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Stellenbosch will have enhanced his reputation. Should Chiefs part ways with Nabi, they could have a ready replacement in Youssef.
For now, Amakhosi’s faithful will watch closely as events unfold, aware that the next few weeks could shape the club’s trajectory for the rest of the season.
Whether Nabi returns to steady the ship or Youssef is handed the reins, the decision will not only determine who leads the team from the dugout, but could also set the tone for Chiefs’ long-term ambitions – and their chances of finally ending a decade-long league title drought.
IOL Sport