Kaizer Chiefs are preparing to part ways with head coach Nasreddine Nabi at the end of the current season, signaling yet another abrupt shift in a club long plagued by instability and unmet expectations.
Sources within the Naturena camp have confirmed that the decision to terminate Nabi’s contract has already been communicated internally. While no official public statement has been issued, the Tunisian tactician—who arrived amid much fanfare and with a reputation for continental pedigree—is set to leave after just one season in charge.
Despite an optimistic start and brief flashes of tactical promise, Chiefs have underwhelmed in the DStv Premiership, sitting outside the top four and once again missing out on silverware. Fans and analysts alike have pointed to a lack of consistency, both in performance and results, under Nabi’s leadership.
“It’s clear the results haven’t matched the vision laid out when he was appointed,” said a senior club source. “The board expected a stronger identity on the pitch and tangible progress toward trophies.”
Behind the scenes, Nabi’s time at Amakhosi has reportedly been marred by friction over recruitment strategies and technical staff appointments. Several insiders suggest that key decisions were made without Nabi’s full input, contributing to a growing disconnect between the coach and upper management.
The impending departure continues a concerning trend for the Soweto giants, who have cycled through multiple coaches over the past decade in search of a long-term solution. Each new appointment has come with hopes of restoring the club’s former glory, only to fall short under the weight of legacy and expectation.
Attention is now turning to potential successors, with speculation rife over both local and international candidates. Chiefs are expected to finalise a replacement before the start of pre-season, in a bid to stabilise operations and re-ignite fan support.
For Nabi, the looming exit represents an abrupt end to a tenure that began with bold ambitions but ended in disillusionment. For Chiefs, it’s another reset in an increasingly urgent journey to reclaim their place at the summit of South African football.
