Nasreddine Nabi: Is Kaizer Chiefs Betting on One Last Shot at Redemption?

Nasreddine Nabi

Nasreddine Nabi: Is Kaizer Chiefs Betting on One Last Shot at Redemption?

Festus Chuma 17:20 - 28.05.2025

Nasreddine Nabi set to join Kaizer Chiefs’ European pre-season tour amid uncertainty over his long-term future at the club.

Kaizer Chiefs are moving forward with pre-season preparations under the leadership of head coach Nasreddine Nabi despite lingering uncertainty about his long-term future at Naturena.

The Tunisian tactician, who guided the team to their first trophy in a decade, is expected to accompany the squad on their European tour—but questions remain about whether he will still be at the helm when the new season kicks off.

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After finishing a disappointing ninth in the DStv Premiership, Nabi’s position has come under intense scrutiny.

However, sources indicate that the club is set to proceed with pre-season under his guidance, offering a sense of short-term stability while the board deliberates behind the scenes.

“For now, we know that the coach will be joining the team on the pre-season tour and camp. Yes, to a certain extent we say his future is not yet clear but for the pre-season training I am certain he will apparently be joining them.

He has suggested some players who he would like to sign and he has to be there to see that happen. That's where things are believed to be right now,” an insider told SoccerLaduma.

Doubts Linger Despite Trophy Success

Nabi’s tenure at Amakhosi began with high hopes, and his Nedbank Cup triumph earlier this year provided a much-needed lift for a club desperate for silverware. Yet, the league struggles and lack of MTN8 qualification have kept the pressure firmly on his shoulders.

A second source from within the club revealed the team’s structured approach to pre-season despite the ongoing speculation.

“The players have apparently been given about four weeks and then they are expected back for pre-season at the end of June. They are looking at having six weeks pre-season before their first game of the season.

But because the team is not in the MTN8 then they may have more weeks on top of the six weeks they have programmed for pre-season. Everything is already planned,” the insider explained.

While management remains tight-lipped, with no official comment from the club at the time of publishing, the continued involvement of Nabi in pre-season plans suggests that the board is not rushing into a decision regarding his future.

European Tour Offers Tactical Reset

The upcoming European tour—expected to mirror last season’s training camp in Turkey—will offer Nabi a crucial opportunity to regroup and reshape his squad.

The additional preparation time, thanks to their absence from the MTN8, could prove vital in implementing his tactical blueprint and integrating new signings ahead of a challenging season that includes CAF Confederation Cup commitments.

It will also be a critical window for the club to assess progress under Nabi, both in terms of performance and squad cohesion. With several player targets reportedly identified by the coach, his presence during this period could influence key recruitment decisions.

Whether this pre-season marks a fresh start or the beginning of a farewell tour remains to be seen.

But for now, Nasreddine Nabi is still leading Kaizer Chiefs—at least until the next decision from the club’s hierarchy reshapes the narrative once more.