{"id":30146,"date":"2025-09-23T14:02:15","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T12:02:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=30146"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:49:05","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T07:49:05","slug":"kaizer-chiefs-players-dismiss-claims-they-favoured-assistant-coaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/kaizer-chiefs-players-dismiss-claims-they-favoured-assistant-coaches\/","title":{"rendered":"Kaizer Chiefs Players Dismiss Claims They Favoured Assistant Coaches Over Nabi"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has firmly rejected suggestions that the squad preferred playing under assistant coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze over former head coach Nasreddine Nabi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With Nabi back in Tunisia, confirming his exit from the club, speculation has swirled about tensions behind the scenes at Naturena. The club, however, has remained tight-lipped on the details surrounding the departure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-strong-start-despite-nabi-s-absence\">A Strong Start Despite Nabi\u2019s Absence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Chiefs began the season on an impressive note, winning their opening three Betway Premiership fixtures, even while Nabi was away attending to a family emergency after his wife was involved in a serious accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Petersen emphasised that the team\u2019s focus has never wavered, regardless of who is in charge. \u201cIt\u2019s not true that players enjoy football more under the assistant coaches,\u201d he said at the Carling Black Label Knockout launch at FNB Stadium. \u201cOur job is to respect whoever is leading the team and concentrate on our football.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Peterson says coaches come and go, and as players they need to focus on delivering for the team. He was responding to questions about coach Nasreddine Nabi\u2019s pending exit.<br><br>\ud83d\udcf9 <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/SABCSport?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#SABCSport<\/a>\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Velile_Mnyandu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@Velile_Mnyandu<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/SABCSportFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#SABCSportFootball<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/3cYUJuh1CB\">pic.twitter.com\/3cYUJuh1CB<\/a><\/p>&mdash; SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SABC_Sport\/status\/1970410807545733194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">September 23, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Also read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/kaizer-chiefs-and-coach-nasreddine-nabi-to-part-ways\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kaizer Chiefs and Coach Nasreddine Nabi to Part Ways<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-793459564\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-timing-of-nabi-s-exit\">Timing of Nabi\u2019s Exit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The announcement of Nabi\u2019s departure came just days after Chiefs suffered their first league loss of the season, a 3-1 home defeat to Sekhukhune United on 16 September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kaze and Ben Youssef, who previously stepped in during Nabi\u2019s suspension last season, have now taken the reins. Their first match in charge this season saw Chiefs fall 1-0 to Kabuscorp of Angola in the CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round, first-leg tie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Media Statement \/ Communication<br>Kaizer Chiefs Football Club<br><br>Kaizer Chiefs confirms that Head Coach Nasreddine Nabi is currently not with the team as discussions between the Club and the Coach remain ongoing. The matter is internal in nature and is being addressed through the\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/3xi7inATX5\">pic.twitter.com\/3xi7inATX5<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/KaizerChiefs\/status\/1968969683400311196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">September 19, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">90 + 4\u2019| \ud83d\udfe5<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/KAB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#KAB<\/a> 1 : 0 <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/CHI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#CHI<\/a> <br><br>Full time score: (Julio 61\u2019) Kabuscorp SCP 1 : 0 Kaizer Chiefs<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Amakhosi4Life?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#Amakhosi4Life<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/TotalEnergiesCAFCC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#TotalEnergiesCAFCC<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/KCOneAfrica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#KCOneAfrica<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/XS3085RtY7\">pic.twitter.com\/XS3085RtY7<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/KaizerChiefs\/status\/1969445429814219178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">September 20, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-kaizer-chiefs-upcoming-matches-provide-a-chance-to-bounce-back\">Kaizer Chiefs&#8217; Upcoming Matches Provide a Chance to Bounce Back<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Chiefs will aim to rebound when they face Marumo Gallants at FNB Stadium in the Premiership on Wednesday. The team will then turn their attention to the return leg against Kabuscorp in the continental competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Defensive consistency remains a priority for Amakhosi, who kept clean sheets in each of their first five league matches. Petersen believes the squad can quickly regain its early-season form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Also read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/kaizer-chiefs-confirm-coach-nabi-not-with-the-team\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kaizer Chiefs Confirm Coach Nabi Not with the Team<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking on the recent setbacks, Petersen called for focus and measured responses from the team. \u201cThere\u2019s no need to panic or doubt ourselves. We know what we are capable of,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s about analysing what went wrong and using the next game as an opportunity to get things right.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1388396425\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-team-spirit-remains-strong\">Team Spirit Remains Strong<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the managerial changes, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizen.co.za\/sport\/soccer\/local-soccer\/chiefs-petersen-denies-player-problems-nabi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chiefs players<\/a> appear united and professional. Petersen\u2019s statements underline that the squad remains committed to performing on the pitch, putting speculation about coaching preferences aside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Chiefs prepare for a busy week of fixtures, supporters will be eager to see whether the team can recapture the dominance that marked their early-season run. The combination of experienced assistants and a talented playing squad will be crucial as Amakhosi aim to maintain their competitiveness both locally and continentally.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has firmly rejected suggestions that the squad preferred playing under assistant coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze over former head coach Nasreddine Nabi. With Nabi back in Tunisia, confirming his exit from the club, speculation has swirled about tensions behind the scenes at Naturena. The club, however, has remained<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":30152,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has firmly rejected suggestions that the squad preferred playing under assistant coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and...","footnotes":""},"categories":[56,64],"tags":[275,11118,11108,5535],"class_list":{"0":"post-30146","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports","8":"category-sports-news","9":"tag-kaizer-chiefs","10":"tag-latest-football-news","11":"tag-latest-sports-news","12":"tag-nasreddine-nabi"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30146","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30146"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30146\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30153,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30146\/revisions\/30153"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30152"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30146"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30146"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30146"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}