Nasreddine Nabi dreaming of winning Nedbank Cup ahead of blockbuster clash against Mamelodi Sundowns - 'We play to win trophies'

Since arriving in South Africa, Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi has endured an inconsistent spell at the helm of Kaizer Chiefs. His side is currently battling to secure a top-eight finish in the PSL. Despite backing from management, pressure continues to mount as rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates enjoy strong campaigns.

Chiefs’ faithful are growing impatient with the lack of progress and silverware. Nabi recently addressed the media, detailing the long-term vision he has shared with the club. He emphasized that building a winning team is a process and outlined a two-to-three-year plan to bring back glory.

“This is our first year [at Chiefs] and we’re trying to build our team, but when we get an opportunity like this one where we’re in the semi-final and we can win the trophy, we can try to do that for the fans and board,” said Nabi in a press conference,

“So, we will always play to win a trophy because we are in a big team like Kaizer Chiefs. So, every season, and every competition you play, you have to try to win.

“I think when we discussed with the board, we said we are in the process of two to three years to build our team, but after that, then we can play for the African Cup, league or every competition to win," he added.

“But for now, we are in the process, as I said. But if we get an opportunity to win the trophy, we will play to win it, and if we do that, it will be amazing for us. It would give us more confidence to play for the board, fans, team and for us coaches.

“If we don’t win it, we have to continue to work.”

Kaizer Chiefs appear to be planning for the future, signaling intent beyond the current season. Leicester City academy graduate Josh Eppiah has been identified as a possible solution to their goal-scoring woes. This suggests that Nabi and the Chiefs hierarchy are aligned on long-term recruitment and squad rebuilding.

Kaizer Chiefs are preparing for a massive showdown against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final. A victory would see them progress to the final and edge closer to ending their trophy drought. It’s a high-stakes game that could define Nabi’s first season in charge.