Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has rejected an offer from a North African giant. The three-time CAF Champions League winner, Raja Athletic Club, reportedly made advances for the former AS FAR Rabat mentor’s services.
Nabi narrowly missed out on the Botola Pro league title last season with AS FAR, finishing second a point behind Raja under Josef Zinnbauer.
Raja, the defending Moroccan champions, is searching for a new head coach. They are set to part ways with Ricardo Sa Pinto following a disappointing start to his tenure. Sa Pinto, who managed just two wins in 11 games, would be the second coach to leave the club since Zinnbauer’s departure after the 2023/24 season.
Following the club’s inability to reach an agreement with Sead Ramovic, Bosnian coach Rusmir Cviko was appointed, but his tenure lasted only eight games. Under Sa Pinto, the club has struggled to find form this season, managing only two wins, six draws, and three defeats in his 11 games.
That has left them in seventh place on the Botola standings, ten points behind league leader RS Berkane after 13 games played. They also anchor Group B of the CAF Champions League after failing to pick a win in three outings. The best they have done in the group stages is a draw with Maniema Union.
WHY NABI REJECTED RAJA’S OFFER
Earlier this week, the Moroccan club’s hierarchy is said to have reached out to Nabi’s management team. However, Nabi’s management team made it clear that he was fully committed to his project at Chiefs.
They reportedly inquired with Chiefs about the availability of Nabi but were informed that the coach remains an integral part of the club’s plans.
After nine games, Amakhosi are currently ninth on the Betway Premiership table. They have won three games, drew three and lost three. Despite the unimpressive start, the Tunisian mentor recently said he had confidence in the project.
“I have confidence in my players, and I have confidence in the future. We are in the right direction, we are clear, and myself and my technical team are confident.
“Kaizer Chiefs are in the right direction. I am 100 per cent sure that we are in the right direction. Don’t worry, we need to support players, we need to help them.
“I know it’s not easy, this is football, and the only problem is scoring, but I observe the problem of my team, and we will get it right.”
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