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Nasreddine Nabi, GFXGOAL
Dingizwe Gwala

Nasreddine Nabi needs to break his Soweto Derby duck against a rampant Orlando Pirates - What Kaizer Chiefs coach needs to do to mastermind Bucs' downfall

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi is under the spotlight as he returns to the bench in the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates on Saturday.

Part of the fabrics that make up the Soweto Derby is the fanfare around the bragging rights. The Buccaneers and Amakhosi renew their rivalry this Saturday at the FNB Stadium, and this comes as a big test for Nabi, as this is his maiden Derby.

A clash between Chiefs and Pirates is never just another game. The stakes are always sky-high, with bragging rights hanging in the balance and the chance for coaches to showcase their tactical brilliance. Nabi will be under the microscope, facing a Pirates team led by Jose Riveiro, whose calm demeanor and tactical ingenuity have made him a fan favorite among the Happy People. For Nabi, Riveiro’s success is something to admire - and perhaps even envy.

As Chiefs prepare for this high-stakes encounter, GOAL breaks down the key elements that Nabi must focus on to ensure he’s ready for his biggest challenge as Amakhosi’s head coach.

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  • Inacio Miguel, Kaizer ChiefsBackpage

    Discipline a top priority

    In a Derby as intense as this, there is no room for lapses in discipline. Chiefs cannot afford to lose their heads, especially with players like Inacio Miguel, who’s been prone to picking up yellow cards and is tipped to get another red card in this game. Nabi, having just served a two-match suspension himself, knows the importance of staying calm. He’ll need to ensure that both himself and his technical team maintain composure, as the heat of the moment can easily lead to touchline confrontations in such a fiery contest.

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  • Ranga Chivaviro and Samkelo Zwane, Kaizer ChiefsBackpage

    How to set-up the team

    Choosing the right starting XI in a Derby can be a tricky decision, and it’s made even more complicated for Nabi with a fresh batch of signings and returning players coming back from injury. New signing Thabo Cele could make his Chiefs debut, but the team will be without Tashreeq Morris, who is suspended, and Lilepo Makabi, who is still awaiting his work permit. The absence of young Wandile Duba and Ashley du Preez further limits Nabi options, leaving Ranga Chivaviro as the only reliable and recognized forward. It will be crucial for Nabi to make the right calls here, as any wrong decision could have dire consequences.

  • Nasreddine Nabi and Kaizer Motaung, Kaizer ChiefsBackpage

    Strong mentality a requirement

    This is the game that will define Nabi's early tenure at Chiefs. His first real test was a humbling 4-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout, a defeat that left many questioning his ability. However, that match came against the reigning PSL champions, and Nabi was still adjusting to the team and South African football. But the Derby is different. This is Chiefs’ most anticipated fixture of the season, and the fans won’t take kindly to a loss, especially against their bitter rivals.

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  • Nasreddine Nabi of Kaizer Chiefs and Jose Riveiro of Orlando Pirates GOAL GFX

    Impact substitutions needed

    One thing Nabi could learn from his counterpart Riveiro is the art of making bold, game-changing substitutions. In last season's Nedbank Cup final against Sundowns, Riveiro left star players like Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Kabelo Dlamini, and Thabiso Lebitso on the bench, surprising many. But Riveiro’s gamble paid off as Mofokeng came off the bench to seal the victory for Pirates. Nabi might want to consider holding back some key players as potential weapons to turn the game in Chiefs’ favor when the going gets tough.

  • Bradley Cross, Inacio Miguel, Rushwin Dortley, Fiacre Ntwari & Bongani Sam of Kaizer Chiefs GOAL GFX

    Do not leak goals!

    While it’s often said that strikers win games, it’s the defenders who win championships. Nabi has shown his preference for building a solid defensive foundation, signing players like Rushwin Dortley, Fiacre Ntwari, Njabulo Blom, Bradley Cross, and Cele - all defensive-minded players. With Gaston Sirino being the only notable attacking signing, it’s clear that Nabi values defensive stability above all. Against the likes of Tshegofatso Mabasa, Patrick Maswanganyi, and the dangerous Relebohile Mofokeng, Nabi will need to ensure his defensive unit remains rock solid to keep Pirates at bay.

  • Nasreddine Nabi, GFX GOAL

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