Nabi Hopes Cup Victory Will Cement His Position at Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi believes the club’s long-awaited Nedbank Cup victory could mark the beginning of a new era of success — and perhaps cement his position at Naturena beyond the current season.
Amakhosi edged Orlando Pirates 2-1 in a thrilling final at Moses Mabhida Stadium, finally ending their 10-year trophy drought. As Kaizer Chiefs savored this moment of glory, questions have been mounting over Nabi’s future, with Chiefs still battling to secure a top-eight finish in the league.
Delivering When It Mattered Most
Kaizer Chiefs opened the scoring through a penalty by Gaston Sirino, but the advantage was short-lived as Evidence Makgopa quickly equalised for the Buccaneers. With the game hanging in the balance, Yusuf Maart stepped up late in the match to slot in the winner — sealing a memorable victory for the Glamour Boys.
Speaking after the game, Nabi expressed hope that the triumph would provide breathing room and help him implement his long-term vision. “My main goal is to return Kaizer Chiefs to their rightful place. This trophy helps reinforce the direction we’re heading in, and I believe it restores belief among the supporters,” said the Tunisian coach. For Kaizer Chiefs, restoring pride is a crucial mission.
Kaizer Chiefs is a Project that Needs Time, Says Nabi
While the cup win brought joy to the Chiefs faithful, doubts linger over Nabi’s tenure, especially with the club’s inconsistent league campaign. But the coach has called for patience, pointing to rivals Orlando Pirates as an example of a team that benefited from time and stability, just as Kaizer Chiefs could.
“Pirates have won several cups under Jose Riveiro, but they too started somewhere. Their evolution over the past year is proof that building a winning side doesn’t happen overnight. Sometimes you must endure difficult times to build something lasting,” he explained.
Tactical Tweaks Turned the Tide
Nabi credited his second-half substitutions for shifting the momentum of the game. The introduction of Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Ashley du Preez, and Mduduzi Shabalala injected much-needed energy and balance into the side, ultimately helping Kaizer Chiefs take control.
“We started strong after the break, but the impact of our substitutions was key. Those changes gave us a new rhythm and allowed us to regain control of the match,” he added.
A Much-Needed Lift After a Decade
Nabi admitted the game was tense and cagey at times, reflective of the weight it carried for a club as iconic as Kaizer Chiefs, desperate to end a barren run. “It’s been a tough decade, and you could feel just how much this meant to everyone — from the players to the fans.”
With the Nedbank Cup now in their cabinet, Kaizer Chiefs have a reason to believe again. For Nabi, the mission remains clear: restore pride and consistency at Naturena. And with silverware in hand, his argument for an extended stay has never looked stronger.
Also read: Nasreddine Nabi on Kaizer Chiefs’ Future: Is It Light Ahead or Another Setback?
