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Nasreddine Nabi of Kaizer Chiefs GOAL GFX
Celine Abrahams

Dear Nasreddine Nabi, can you weather the storm at Kaizer Chiefs?

The Tunisian’s rocky start at Amakhosi has begun to cast doubt on his ability to restore the club's glory amid mounting challenges and pressure.

Nabi kicked off his Chiefs journey with two consecutive Premier Soccer League wins, igniting nationwide buzz about whether this could signal the long-awaited resurgence of the club's glory days.

A further three league games later, and Amakhosi are still on two wins, sitting eighth on the log and 14 points behind Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates.

The team’s performances have left fans and critics questioning whether he is the right man for the job. Here, GOAL unpacks the key challenges facing Nabi and Chiefs as they look to bounce back when they face Richards Bay on Wednesday, 27 November.

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  • Yusuf Maart, Gaston Sirino, Inacio Miguel, Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    Poor form and early setbacks

    Chiefs have struggled to find their rhythm, losing two and drawing one of their last three league matches. Compounding their woes, a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout Cup exposed glaring defensive frailties. 

    This poor run has left the team in black and gold languishing far behind their title rivals, dampening the optimism that greeted Nabi’s appointment. Fans expected a swift turnaround, but the results so far suggest a team in crisis rather than one poised for resurgence.

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  • Nasreddine Nabi, Kaizer ChiefsBackpage

    Defensive issues despite new signings

    One of Nabi’s key priorities was to address Chiefs’ leaky defence, which plagued them last season. However, despite overhauling the backline with new signings, the problems persist. 

    Defensive lapses and lack of cohesion have seen Chiefs concede goals at an alarming rate. The struggles at the back have raised questions about the scouting and integration of these new players, as well as Nabi’s ability to solidify the defensive unit.

  • Inacio Miguel, Kaizer ChiefsBackpage

    Disrupted momentum and injuries

    The lengthy breaks in the PSL calendar are certainly a cause for concern when it comes to Chiefs’ ability to build momentum, with a 25-day gap between their last competitive match in the Carling Knockout quarter-final and their next league game against Richards Bay adding to the challenges. 

    Compounding the situation, coach Nasreddine Nabi had to step aside temporarily after an operation, missing the recent Home of Legends Cup. Defensive woes continue as Inacio Miguel serves a suspension, leaving Thatayaone Ditlhokwe or Given Msimango to partner Rushwin Dortley at the back. To make matters worse, key midfielder Edson Castillo is sidelined for months. These are truly testing times for Nabi and his squad.

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  • Kaizer Chiefs fan MashonisaBackpage

    Mounting fan frustration & comparisons to Zwane

    The pressure from the Amakhosi fanbase is growing, with many expressing doubts over Nabi’s suitability. Some supporters have even begun drawing comparisons to former coach Arthur Zwane, who faced similar criticism during his tenure. 

    The frustration is palpable, as fans see little progress on the pitch despite a significant investment in the squad. Nabi’s honeymoon period is clearly over, and the calls for change will only grow louder if results don’t improve soon.

  • Yusuf Maart, Kaizer ChiefsBackpage

    Leadership crippling Amakhosi

    Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune publicly expressed critical points emphasising the importance of having a core group of experienced players to lead Chiefs during challenging times. 

    Reflecting on the team's struggles, he highlighted how senior players can provide much-needed stability and direction, particularly for younger squad members navigating high-pressure situations. 

    Looking at the current Amakhosi squad, identifying players capable of stepping up as on-field leaders is a challenge. This is an area Nabi must urgently address to stabilise the team and avoid putting his position at further risk.

  • Kaizer Chiefs fansBackpage

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