A good trainer in a 'bad' team? 'I feel sorry for Nabi' - Former Kaizer Chiefs coach worried about Tunisian tactician

In the 2023/24 Premier Soccer League campaign, Amakhosi finished in the worst position ever, 10th.

Changes were made in the technical team and Nasreddine Nabi, who had successful stints at Yanga SC and AS FAR Rabat, was given the mandate to shape the team.

The Tunisian wanted to make wholesale changes at the club, but he couldn't get his primary targets.

Nabi has been forced to work with the available players after getting seven new signings from which four are defenders, a goalkeeper, and two midfielders.

In the Premier Soccer League, Amakhosi started with two wins in a row before back-to-back against Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United before registering a draw with newbies Magesi FC.

Amakhosi faithful had hopes their team will perfrom well in the Carling Knockout after a huge 4-0 win against SuperSport in the round of 16, but they fell by the same margin in the quarter-final against Masandawana.

Chiefs have some good youngsters like Samkelo Zwane, Mduduzi Shabalala, Mfundo Vilakazi and Wandile Duba who have been used mostly this season, but the experience is wanting.

It explains why former Amakhosi coach Muhsin Ertugral is feeling sorry for Nabi.

"The expectations are not under control, it is too far. I think Nabi is a good coach, he understands the dynamism of South African football but there are youngsters," he told SoccerBeat.

"Completely new team build, new technical side, and expectations of fans, it is such a big pressure on players, they are human.

"So that is going to be a problem for the next couple of months. I feel sorry for Nabi because there is too much hype," he added.

"Good coaches can make bad teams better but good teams with bad coaches can win the league," Ertugral concluded.

Chiefs did not take part in the MTN8 after failing to finish within the top eight bracket in the 2023/24 season.

They have now been eliminated from the Carling Knockout meaning their only chance of ending the nine-season silverware drought is through winning the PSL or the Nedbank Cup.

Recent performances underline the club's need to sign experienced players.