Signs of trouble at Naturena! Kaizer Chiefs losing the plot amid Nasreddine Nabi’s looming exit as Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze seek to steady ship

After such a bright start, Chiefs fans will be forgiven for dreaming of a potential title charge, but it now appears that it will remain just that - a dream.

In order to remain in the conversation for the title, the Soweto giants need to be more consistent in getting results, and can’t afford to slip up too many times. 

But should they get their affairs in order soon enough, the boys from Naturena could still regain their early momentum and end up challenging. 

It now looks certain that Nabi's relationship with Chiefs is over, following a coaching licensing fiasco that comes as a big shock to everyone.

The issue around his CAF qualifications, which means he would not be able to sit on the bench for any of their interclub competition fixtures this season, had led to this sudden divorce.

Chiefs have since confirmed that they are currently negotiating with Nabi regarding his exit, but it is still unclear who will replace the Tunisian. 

Over the weekend against Kabuscorp, his assistants Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef were given the responsibility of leading the team from the touchline.   

Chiefs have been goal-shy so far this season, but were able to get away with it because of their stoic defence, which kept attackers at bay and ensured they avoided defeats.

But as they begin to concede goals, their lack of creativity and killer instinct in front of goal is increasingly being exposed.

Flávio Silva has been decent, scoring two goals so far, but little else has come from the likes of Ashley du Preez, Wandile Duba and others.

They will be hoping that players like Etiosa Ighodaro, Khanyisa Mayo and Ethan Chislett, who are yet to make their debuts, bring what is missing.  

Amakhosi will do well to ensure that this slump doesn’t last longer than it should, which could easily ruin their season.

There’s no doubt that the situation with the coach will be affecting the players, and the club needs to bring clarity to them and the supporters.

If the goal is to bring in a new coach with fresh ideas, then this should happen as soon as possible, so the team’s season can be salvaged.   

Ideally, the club will be hoping for continuity, and that would mean the pair of Kaze and Ben Youssef remain in charge, especially after they did a solid job in Nabi’s absence earlier in the campaign.

Chiefs’ Confed Cup campaign is in danger after their defeat to the Angolans in the away leg on Saturday, and they now need a strong performance to salvage the situation.  

They face Kabuscorp at the FNB Stadium on Saturday in the second leg, needing to score at least one goal to keep their campaign alive. 

They then have some crucial league games after that against Siwelele and Durban City to try and get back to winning ways in the PSL.

PSL

Kaizer Chiefs

Ex-Chiefs coach dismisses reason for Nabi's axing