Nasreddine Nabi (centre) may bring in some fresh faces to rejuvenate Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: BackpagePix
Comment by Smiso Msomi
The excitement surrounding Kaizer Chiefs’ new head coach, Nasreddine Nabi, continues to be tempered by the realities of performances on the pitch.
As the team navigate another challenging season, questions around Nabi’s strategy and leadership have arisen, suggesting that a thorough overhaul may be on the horizon.
Upon his arrival, the Tunisian coach was met with high expectations. Many fans had their sights set on the dawn of a new era that would mark the end of the club’s decade-long trophy drought.
However, nearly six months into his tenure, it is clear that the anticipated surge in progression has yet to materialise.
Consistency in results has evaded the Amakhosi, leading to speculation about Nabi’s plans and the current squad’s capabilities ahead of their Premiership clash against TS Galaxy next Monday at the Mbombela Stadium (3.30pm kick-off).
Since taking the reins, Nabi has been vocal about his desire to bolster the squad with new signings, a sentiment he first expressed back in September.
“We will return in the January transfer window to strengthen our team,” he indicated, emphasising the importance of building a competitive roster that can restore Chiefs to their former glory.
In the meantime, Nabi has initiated a significant reshuffle within the squad in an attempt to identify a winning formula.
Following a string of recent changes, players like Brandon Peterson have stepped in for off-season signing Fiacre Ntwari as the goalkeeper.
In the heart of defence, various pairs, including Inacio Miguel, Rushwin Dortley, Given Msimango and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, have been trialled in forming a stable centre-back partnership.
The search for the right midfield combination has seen Sibongiseni ‘Ox’ Mthethwa resurrect his career with a series of four consecutive starts.
Meanwhile, striker Ashley du Preez has successfully assumed the mantle of leading the attack, taking over from Ranga Chivaviro, who started the first seven matches of the campaign.
This fluidity in team selection underscores Nabi’s ongoing quest for his ideal starting XI, and sheds light on the transitional period the club is experiencing.
Despite Nabi’s efforts to field various players and assess their capabilities, the stark reality is that many members of the squad appear to be under-performing.
The former Yanga SC manager has set ambitious standards for the club’s future, implying that nearly half of his current players might not meet the technical proficiency required.
Notably absent from first-team action this season are Bruce Bvuma, Zitha Kwinika, Mduduzi Mdantsane and Bongani Sam, raising concerns about their longevity at the club.
Similarly, younger players like Happy Mashiane, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Tebogo Potshane face an uphill struggle for game-time, playing under 90 minutes collectively.
This situation could spell danger for those players, especially if they remain on the fringes of the first team as Nabi’s vision for Chiefs begins to take form.
As the prospect of back-to-back transfer windows looms, the prevailing sentiment is that Nabi is not merely casting an eye on potential signings – he is signalling the likelihood of significant changes ahead.