Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has expressed his admiration for Kaizer Chiefs’ new coach, Nasreddine Nabi, drawing parallels between the Tunisian’s management style and his own.
Broos believes Nabi is steering the Soweto giants back to their former glory, praising his “no-nonsense” approach and the evident changes already visible on the pitch. Nabi has enjoyed a solid start to his tenure at
Chiefs, securing impressive victories against Marumo Gallants [2-1] and AmaZulu FC [3-1]. His only setback so far has been a narrow 2-1 defeat.
Broos is convinced that under Nabi Amakhosi will soon turn the corner. “I’m happy that Kaizer Chiefs are showing they will come again to what they were a few years ago,” Broos told the media.
“They have been very disappointing in the last two years. I think the coach who is there now is a good coach, and I know him.”
Chiefs’ recent struggles, culminating in a dismal 10th-place finish last season—their lowest in the Premier Soccer League era—have been a cause for concern for fans.
However, the Belgian tactician sees a bright future under Nabi, whose impact is already being felt. “I think he can change it, and he’s starting to change things already when I see Chiefs play. There’s a plan there, there’s structure. He knows what he wants.”
‘HE’S A GUY LIKE ME’: BROOS ON NABI
Broos particularly appreciates Nabi’s direct communication style and emphasis on performance. “He’s also a guy like me, and he tells things like they are. I feel there’s no friendship politics anymore; you have to perform, and then you get a place in the team, and that’s how it has to be. So I’m very happy with what’s happening in Chiefs now,” he declared.
This echoes Broos’ own philosophy with Bafana, where he has prioritised performance and potential over reputation and past achievements, often making bold selection decisions.
“Let’s be honest, it’s not normal for a club like Chiefs to be eighth or ninth in the competition for the last two, three years, it’s not normal,” Broos emphasised. “It has to be… not always champions but second or third, maybe fourth… And I think they are on a good track now, so let’s hope.”
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