Kaizer Chiefs’ coach Nasreddine Nabi is quietly orchestrating a transformation at the Soweto giants with subtle changes.
While some of his changes may seem insignificant on the surface, their impact on the players and the team’s performance is becoming increasingly evident.
In their fourth official game of the season, a Carling Knockout Cup round of 16 tie against SuperSport United, Amakhosi pummelled the Gavin Hunt-coached side 4-0. They have won two of their three league matches, losing the other to Mamelodi Sundowns.
FARPost looks at the subtle changes that the former Young Africans and AS FAR Rabat coach is making.
A CULTURE OF DISCIPLINE AND UNITY
One of Nabi’s early moves was to introduce a new routine for the players during training camps. Instead of eating and going to sleep, the players now take a leisurely walk with the entire technical team, including Nabi himself. This simple change fosters a sense of camaraderie and helps to build team unity.
In the dining area, Nabi has implemented a new seating arrangement. Gone are the days of players choosing their preferred companions.
In the past, they would sit in small groups of four. Now, they sit at a long table facing each other, ensuring that they interact with different teammates and break down cliques. The Tunisian mentor insists that players sit next to a different teammate every day.
PUNCTUALITY AND MOTIVATION
Nabi is also demanding a higher level of discipline from his players. Arrival times have been brought forward by 15-30 minutes, and it’s rumoured that latecomers may face fines, a tactic he has employed successfully at previous clubs.
To further motivate his players, Nabi is exploring the possibility of implementing a performance-based incentive scheme. He aims to create a more competitive and driven environment. His players at AS FAR and Yanga have previously shared with FARPost that he is a vocal proponent of team bonuses.
PROTECTING THE YOUTH
Nabi’s approach to developing young players is also noteworthy. While the academy players have not been given the opportunity to start and finish a full game, they are regularly included in the matchday squad. This strategy allows them to gain valuable experience without exposing them to the physical demands of a complete match.
WELFARE OF PLAYERS
Nabi has gone above and beyond to prioritise player welfare. He advocated for the team to fly to Bloemfontein, emphasising the importance of rest and recovery. He’s also shown keen interest in the team’s accommodations and meals, ensuring they have everything they need to perform at their best. Furthermore, Nabi believes in rewarding hard work and has advocated fair compensation for deserving players.
WHAT KEMISO MOTAUNG SAID ABOUT NABI AND HIS TECHNICAL TEAM
Earlier this week, while honouring Chiefs’ chairman Kaizer Motaung on his 80th birthday, Kemiso Motaung praised the club for assembling a top-notch technical team.
“We have the best from North Africa. We’ve got great analysts. We’ve got an amazing goalkeeper coach [Ilyes Mzoughi], also from North Africa. Kaizer [Motaung Jr] has done a really good job in bringing a technical team that have Arsenal, that have a brain and mind to understand success, to actualise it. These people are proper. They’re the real deal.”
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