Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi. Picture: Itumeleng English, Independent Newspapers
John Goliath
In a move that has silenced speculation regarding his future, Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has officially confirmed his commitment to the club, opting to remain at the helm of Amakhosi instead of pursuing the opportunity to lead Tunisia's national team.
Recent reports had suggested that Nabi was being considered for the vacant head coaching position with the Tunisia national team as they gear up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. However, the Tunisian coach expressed his gratitude towards Kaizer Chiefs management, stating that he feels honoured to continue his project in Soweto after seven months in the hot seat.
Speaking in the wake of a 1-0 Betway Premiership victory against Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium, Nabi says he isn't going anywhere.
"I'd like to say thank you to Dr Kaizer Motaung, Kaizer Jr and Bobby Motaung, and the entire management. I have been offered an opportunity to go coach my country," said Nabi.
"And we sat together and decided that I'm going to pass on this big opportunity to coach my mother country, but I also feel it's an honour to be here and I say thank you to the management and everyone."
Nabi's decision comes as a relief to the Chiefs' supporters and players alike, providing a sense of continuity at a critical phase of the season. After the win over Stellenbosch, the club temporarily climbed to fourth place in the league standings, accumulating 25 points from 17 matches.
"I'm very happy about the performance today, and for the three points. It's not easy to beat a team like Stellenbosch two times in the space of a few weeks," Nabi remarked.
"They are a very good team with very good coaching staff, and also to win in Cape Town is not always easy. So, I'm very happy with the three points and the performance."
Meanwhile, in a recent interview with 5FM, former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane said that he has not been convinced by Nabi at Chiefs so far this season.
Mosimane, who recently parted ways with Iranian club Esteghlal due to unpaid salaries, shared his insights on the coaching landscape in South African football, particularly regarding the prospects of coaching the 'big three' clubs: Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Chiefs.
He highlighted that while Sundowns and Pirates are in a good space, Chiefs are still finding their footing under Nabi's leadership. Despite acknowledging Nabi's efforts, Mosimane noted that convincing results are essential at a club of Chiefs' stature.
“There’s no problem [with coaching the big three]. I’m professional, and I coach anywhere in the world as long as the project is right,” said Mosimane.
“I know all the coaches you mentioned [Miguel Cardoso, Jose Riveiro and Nasreddine Nabi]. I think Pirates have a good coach and they are on the roll, we should not disturb them.
“At Kaizer Chiefs, Nabi is trying to do something. He’s getting there, but he’s not really convincing. I guess he’s trying his best, Chiefs is a biggest club anyway.
“The billionaires [Sundowns] are good. They could always buy anybody. They could even buy Pep Guardiola if they want, so they don’t need help. I’m happy that we left them at a better place, and I’m proud of them because I didn’t level any mess there; I left trophies.”
@JohnGoliath82
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