Nasreddine Nabi: Why Kaizer Chiefs’ Coaching Drama Could Define Their CAF Confederation Cup Fate

Reports of sabotage have added tension as Kaizer Chiefs face Kabuscorp, with Nabi’s exit and injuries threatening their CAF hopes.

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze has urged calm and focus ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round second leg clash against Angolan side Kabuscorp, despite the turbulence surrounding outgoing head coach Nasreddine Nabi. 

Amakhosi trail 1-0 from the first leg and face a must-win situation when they host Kabuscorp at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

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Kaze, who alongside fellow assistant Khalil Ben Youssef has been entrusted with leading the team, acknowledged the off-field drama but insisted the squad is determined to deliver a result for the fans.

“Unfortunately, Mayo can’t feature because we were not able to register him due to the fact that it was already the deadline by the time he joined us. We will also be without Paseka Mako and Siphesihle Ndlovu, because they picked up injuries in the last game [against Marumo Gallants in their 1-1 draw in the Betway Premiership],” Kaze told reporters at Friday’s pre-match press conference.

Nabi’s Absence and Its Impact

The departure of Nasreddine Nabi has cast a shadow over the club, with reports of a fallout between the coach and management over licensing and trust issues. Despite the uncertainty, Kaze stressed that the technical team’s priority is to finish what Nabi started.

"I've known coach Nabi for a couple of years, I have worked with him and as him and me, we know the situation of the coaching job. Today, he's not here and I'm pretty sure that he will be proud that we continue where he left off and we bring the club where it belongs," said Kaze, adding that professionalism has been the guiding principle in preparing the team.

"Every team goes through such moments and we are professional, we are here to work for Kaizer Chiefs and we know what is in front of us. The things that have happened now are behind us, we are looking forward to tomorrow with every inch of our hearts, our concentration. To make the fans proud, to make the club proud, to make history for the club.”

Fight for the Badge

Vice-captain Zitha Kwinika echoed the sentiment, highlighting that the team is now better prepared for Kabuscorp after the first-leg setback.

“We are excited for the game, and I think this time around will be a bit easier because we did not know what to expect in the first leg, but now we do,” Kwinika said.

“We are literally going to the second half of the match, and we now know more about our opponents … they like marking man-for-man and are a bit physical, so it is now us working on the corrections and what we experience against them. So, the boys are ready and will do our best as a team, fight for the badge, and most importantly, our country.”

Pressure to Deliver

The 1-1 domestic draw with Gallants has already added pressure, as Chiefs missed an opportunity to close the gap on leaders Sekhukhune and Mamelodi Sundowns. Failure to progress in the Confederation Cup would further intensify scrutiny on the interim coaching team.

Nonetheless, Kaze remains confident that the occasion will inspire his players. With qualification to the group stages on the line and the spotlight on how the team responds to Nabi’s absence, Saturday’s 3 PM (CAT)  kickoff could become a defining moment for Amakhosi’s season.