Nedbank Cup win not enough to save Nasreddine Nabi

Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly agreed to mutually part ways with coach Nasreddine Nabi this week, ending a one-season relationship.

Nabi arrived at the club with a lofty reputation and was expected to awaken the sleeping giant. In his first season, he made a notable impact — ending the club’s 10-year trophy drought by winning the Nedbank Cup.

But that was all he truly achieved. He failed to show a consistent influence on the team, as Chiefs lacked identity and cohesion under his leadership. Reports suggest that he was set to be dismissed regardless of the Nedbank Cup outcome.

Below, we explore five key issues that led to the club cutting ties with the Tunisia-born coach.

Questions Over His Qualifications

Chiefs are set to begin their continental campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup this weekend. One of the tournament’s requirements is for the head coach to hold a CAF 'A' or an equivalent 'PRO' coaching license from a sister confederation.

According to his résumé, Nabi holds a UEFA Pro License — the highest qualification in European football. That credential allowed him to guide his former club, Young Africans, to the Confederation Cup final four seasons ago.

However, reports have emerged of a dispute regarding his qualifications at Naturena when he reported for duty on Wednesday, which allegedly contributed to his exit.

Chiefs Thrive in His Absence

Nabi missed the start of the season to return home after his wife was involved in a serious car accident — just before the team’s opening Betway Premiership fixture.

In his absence, his assistants Cedric Kaze and Ben Kalil Youssef stepped up, leading the team to three consecutive wins. This wasn’t the first time they performed well without him — last season, they also won both matches when he was serving a touchline ban after being red-carded.

Their success has drawn praise from fans, with some suggesting that the team performs better without Nabi on the sidelines.

Never Satisfied with Squad Depth

Nabi was understandably critical of the team’s depth last season, stating that many players were not specialists in their positions.

In response, the club made moves in the recent transfer window, signing several quality players. However, it seems Nabi remained dissatisfied, as new signings Ethan Chislett and Nkanyiso Shinga — both with European experience — have yet to make their debuts.

Although he insisted that "everyone will get their chance," his timing and selection choices were often questioned.

Language Barrier

Kaze also served as Nabi’s translator during media duties, with Nabi preferring to speak French, though he can communicate in English.

This raised concerns about his ability to connect with players on the training ground. Language is a crucial tool in football — not just for instructions, but also for leadership and building rapport.

Critics argue that his limited communication may have prevented him from truly influencing the squad.

A Flair for the Spotlight

Nabi is not one to shy away from attention. Whether arriving at or leaving media events, he often stopped to take pictures with fans and attendees.

He raised eyebrows when he appeared at the MTN8 semi-final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates in Atteridgeville — an appearance that reportedly upset some Chiefs officials.

Given the team’s recent struggles — including finishing outside the Top 8 for a second consecutive season — some felt it would have been more appropriate for Nabi to keep a lower profile and focus solely on football matters.