Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has delivered a stark message to the club’s supporters ahead of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season.
Nabi, who arrived at Kaizer Chiefs with his own technical staff, has a proven track record of success. Renowned for his trophy-winning achievements, Nabi is expected to turn the Soweto giants’ fortunes around and break the club’s nine-year trophy drought.
The Tunisian coach joins the Chiefs after the club endured its worst-ever league finish, placing 10th and missing out on the MTN8 last season. During that campaign, the club made two coaching changes, with Molefi Ntseki replaced by Cavin Johnson, who was later fired.
To bolster their squad, Chiefs have been active in the transfer market. Notable signings include Fiacre Ntwari, Rushwin Dortley, Bongani Sam, Gaston Sirino, and Inacio Miguel. This week, the Glamour Boys further strengthened their roster with the addition of Bradley Cross from Golden Arrows and the return of Njabulo Blom on loan from St Louis SC.”
NASREDDINE NABI ON KAIZER CHIEFS SUPPORTERS
Nabi is aware that there are high expectations from him and his technical team to deliver a trophy. Chiefs have been struggling to win a title for the past nine years. Nabi is a proven winner and has done well with Tanzanian giants Young Africans. He almost won a league title with Moroccan side AS FAR Rabat last season.
However, Nabi says fans can’t expect him to deliver a trophy this season. His main focus is to build a strong team that will do well in the future.
“Firstly, I want to build a strong team. Then, when you build a strong team, you talk about the cups. It’s not possible to finish 10th then you want the cups or win the league,” said Nabi.
“I don’t want to speak like I’m a fan, the way they speak. I respect this club and these fans. I need to build a strong team step by step, but first, we are starting. I don’t need confusion now, starting with the positive, not the negative. I want passion, space, and comprehension because it’s like that in football.
“If you respect Kaizer Chiefs, if you respect the fans of Kaizer Chiefs, [you will understand that patience is key]. I know there is a challenge. I love my club. I love my fans. Me and my staff we will give 200 per cent, and I know the direction I take.
“We have the experience for the challenge that we take, because I have lived before in the same challenge, I know what is my direction, I’m not afraid of the pressure, but I love the challenge.”
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Kaizer Chiefs’ revamp with five key challenges for new head coach Nasreddine Nabi to consider, according to Soccer Laduma.
Chiefs are making waves with their latest signings, including Bradley Cross and the return of midfielder Njabulo Blom, bringing their total new arrivals to seven. This significant overhaul is set to impact the team’s performance as they face five key challenges under new head coach Nasreddine Nabi.
WILL CHIEFS FIND THEIR DEFENSIVE FORMULA?
Kaizer Chiefs struggled to find a winning defensive combination last season. New centre-back Inacio Miguel’s arrival has sparked optimism, as Nabi praised him during the Betway Premiership launch. The crucial question now is who will partner the Angolan defender.
Since Miguel is right-footed, Nabi ideally needs a left-footed centre-back. The competition for this spot boils down to Rushwin Dortley and Thatayone Ditlhokwe. With Edmilson Dove currently injured and Msimango potentially falling down the pecking order, Cross could also step in as a left-sided centre-back.
LEADERSHIP VOID: WILL NABI APPOINT A NEW CAPTAIN?
An inspirational leader is essential for any successful team. Chiefs have experienced a leadership void since goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune lost his starting position. Nabi faces the challenge of rekindling team spirit at Amakhosi, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he appoints a new captain as part of his rebuilding efforts.
SCORING WOES: IS A PROVEN GOAL-SCORER ON THE HORIZON?
Last season, Chiefs struggled with their offensive performance, highlighted by a 4-0 defeat to Young Africans in a pre-season friendly. The team cannot solely rely on Ashley Du Preez, Ranga Chivaviro, and Christian Saile for goals. Although Gaston Sirino’s addition is a step in the right direction, Amakhosi need a proven goal-scorer, ideally a natural number nine, to bolster their attacking options before the league progresses further.
CHIEFS MIDFIELD DYNAMICS: HOW WILL BLOM FIT IN?
Njabulo Blom’s return adds a new dimension to Chiefs’ midfield. Nabi must navigate how to integrate Blom, given his experience in Major League Soccer (MLS) and his previous influence at Amakhosi. The coach needs to find the right combinations around Blom, particularly alongside Edson Castillo, Yusuf Maart, Samkelo Zwane, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, and Sibongiseni Mthethwa. How Nabi manages this midfield mix could prove pivotal for the team’s success.
