Kaizer Chiefs coach Nassredine Nabi departs as mistrust mounts amid licensing crisis

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The highly speculated rift between Kaizer Chiefs and head coach Nassredine Nabi has culminated in an unexpected split, plunging the club into uncertainty ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

In a decision that has left fans perplexed, Chiefs have parted ways with Nabi, as unresolved licensing issues and deepening mistrust proved too significant to bridge.

For his part, Nabi has insisted that his departure is not as sinister as many have speculated. Speaking to North African news platform WinWin, he said: "My separation from Kaizer Chiefs was a mutual agreement with the club's management, following a successful and challenging experience.

"Currently, I need some time to rest, focus more on my family, and monitor my wife's health, which has required me to be by her side over the past period."

Nabi had enjoyed a stellar start to the new season, recording four wins, one draw, and just one loss from the first six matches. His tenure at the helm was cut short not merely by his tactical approach on the pitch but by a crucial lapse in managerial qualification.

While he possessed a UEFA Pro Licence, Nabi lacked the requisite CAF licence, a vital credential for continental competitions. This reality became even more pressing as the team prepared for the CAF Confederation Cup, following their victory in last year’s Nedbank Cup, which granted them the opportunity to compete on a larger stage.

On the day the licensing issue was formally brought to Nabi’s attention, the necessary CAF licence had just landed in his inbox. It has been suggested that Nabi was aware of the requirement and had been pursuing the qualification independently, unbeknownst to the club.

Following discussions with management, during which he presented proof of the forthcoming qualification, Nabi felt disillusioned and ultimately agreed to an amicable separation.

This sudden departure is particularly poignant against the backdrop of Nabi’s recent achievements. His leadership marked a pivotal moment for Chiefs, ending a decade-long trophy drought by steering the club to victory in the Nedbank Cup against rivals Orlando Pirates.

However, ongoing league inconsistency saw Chiefs finish ninth last season, failing to qualify for the lucrative top eight. This disappointing performance reportedly strained his relationship with club executives, sowing seeds of doubt just as promising prospects began to emerge.

Moreover, Nabi’s recent compassionate leave, taken to attend to a family emergency in Tunisia following a serious incident involving his wife, added further complexity. During this period, assistant coaches Cedric Kaze and Youssef Ben Khalil guided the team to three consecutive victories, igniting speculation that his departure may have been influenced more by personal circumstances than licensing issues.

Nevertheless, analysts remain steadfast in their view that the licensing oversight was pivotal in this abrupt exit.

As an official announcement from the club is expected shortly, supporters are eager for clarity concerning the implications of this coaching vacancy. Raised eyebrows linger over how such a significant licensing oversight occurred, leaving many fans to ponder how Chiefs will navigate this administrative blunder and what steps will follow in the quest for continued success on the pitch.

Nabi, meanwhile, has reportdely already been approached by clubs interested in his services.

"Indeed," Nabie said to WinWin, "several major African and Arab clubs have contacted me, but I will not enter into any negotiations at this time, as my priority is to take a temporary break and get some rest,"