The impending arrival of Nasreddine Nabi at Kaizer Chiefs faces a potential delay due to the death of a Moroccan royal family member. Nabi’s current club, AS FAR Rabat, plays in the Throne Cup final, often attended by royal family members.
The final pitting AS FAR and Josef Zinnbauer’s Raja Casablanca is pencilled in for Monday. However, the Royal Palace has announced the passing of Princess Lalla Latifa, the mother of the King of Morocco. She was 78. Princess Lalla was the widow of King Hassan II and the mother of reigning King Mohammed VI.
Although AS FAR and Raja were scheduled to fly to Agadir, the host city, on Saturday night, indications are that the match could be postponed due to the Royal death.
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With the final’s schedule uncertain, it raises questions about Nabi’s availability to join Chiefs next week. A national mourning period has been declared, potentially meaning all football activities, including the highly anticipated final, are suspended. Nabi has reportedly agreed to a lengthy contract with the Soweto giants. But the Belgian of Tunisian origin cannot officially begin his tenure until his commitments with AS FAR Rabat conclude.
Indications were that he would leave Rabat after the final to join Chiefs for their overseas pre-season camp. The likely delay poses challenges for Chiefs, eager to begin preparations for the upcoming season under their new coach. The club’s management is closely monitoring the situation in Morocco, hoping for a swift resolution.
The Moroccan Football Federation could be forced to announce a new date for the final in the coming days. The focus for now remains honouring the memory of Latifa and supporting the royal family during this difficult time.
Chiefs players started their pre-season preparations on Monday under the watchful eye of Frenchman Fernando Da Cruz. The former Lille SC coach is set to serve as Nabi’s assistant. He is currently with conditioning coach Mejdi Safi and goalkeeper’s coach Ilyes Mzoughi.
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