Kaizer Chiefs legend pleads with Amakhosi after Richards Bay defeat - 'Let's stick with Nasreddine Nabi'

Kaizer Chiefs legend Zebulon Nhlapo has asked the club's hierarchy to stick with head coach Nasreddine Nabi despite defeat by struggling Richards Bay.

The Natal Rich Boyz handed Chiefs a 2-0 defeat during a Sunday Premier Soccer League encounter in Durban, piling more pressure on Nabi.

Nhlapo has pointed out the weakest links in the team and said that despite the struggle Amakhosi are facing, it would only be prudent for the club to stick with Nabi.

He likened the current situation to what Arthur Zwane, now at AmaZulu, faced before his exit.

"To be honest, I also don't know what Nabi is trying to cook. It might be oxtail... I don't know," Nhlapo told KickOff. 

"I have run out of words. The backline is leaking goals, and the strikers are not scoring. I really don't know what's happening.

"Angazi kwakhala nyonini laphaya, my Lord! The defence is always caught facing our goalposts. I don't understand how they defend, they are always late. 

"We are continuously losing because of our mistakes. Our midfielders, every time they pass the ball, seem to be passing it to the opponents," he stated.

"These are some of the things that need to be fixed. One day we will find the right materials. Let him keep trying. The only problem is that we win some, lose some... we've turned into a yo-yo. I really don't know what's happening to us.

"I haven't lost hope, though. What is happening now is exactly what cost Arthur Zwane his job," he added.

"But let's stick with Nabi. This constant changing of coaches is only taking us backwards. Just like oxtail, which takes time to cook, once it is finally done, it tastes delicious. So, let's be patient with the coach," Nhlapo concluded.

After a stellar stint with Tanzanian giants, Yanga SC, Chiefs appointed the tactician in July 2024, but results have not been impressive so far in the season.

They are eighth with a paltry 29 points from 22 games, and a loss to Richards Bay adds more pressure to the coach and the playing unit.

With the league out of sight for the Naturena club, only the Nedbank Cup offers Nabi a potential lifeline. They are set to face either Sekhukhune United or Mamelodi Sundowns in the semis.

His main priority is to get as many points as possible in the league. As Chiefs are in the last four in the cup competition, Nabi and his players need to fight to win in order to ease pressure on their shoulders.

Chiefs will play Golden Arrows for a PSL showdown on March 30.