Kaizer Chiefs legend Lucas Radebe has thrown his weight behind Nasreddine Nabi, explaining why the coach’s abilities should be judged only after the conclusion of the next season.
The Tunisian mentor completed his first season with AmaKhosi, having taken over at the start of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership. Joining Chiefs on a two-year deal from Moroccan side AS FAR, Nabi’s goal is to restore the club to its former glory.
In his breakthrough season, Nabi had a rollercoaster ride with the Soweto giants after an inconsistent run in the league, which saw Chiefs finish in ninth place on the league table.
However, the former Young Africans coach bagged silverware for Chiefs, ending their 10-year trophy drought. The Glamour Boys defeated arch rivals Orlando Pirates 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup final last month to lift a trophy for the first time since 2015.
Meanwhile, the Nedbank Cup success also sealed a CAF Confederation Cup qualification for Chiefs next season. After the conclusion of the previous campaign, media reports emerged, stating that Nabi could part ways with the Naturena-based side after missing out on the top eight finish.
But Chiefs have seemingly decided to allow Nabi to continue with the project to lead the side for another season.
RADEBE CALLS FOR CHIEFS TO RECRUIT QUALITY PLAYERS
According to Lucas Radebe, coach Nabi’s true assessment should come next season, contingent on the team successfully signing players who fit his tactical philosophy.
“I think last season, Kaizer Chiefs have done well after winning the trophy because that’s one of the things that has been eluding the club for some time,” said Radebe on the sidelines of the VW Vaya Cup in Limpopo most recently.
“A club and a brand like Chiefs is known for winning trophies, and this is the reason this team is one of the supported teams in Africa. We must recruit the quality that’s needed for the club, and I think Nabi has a big chance of doing that, especially after winning silverware last season.
“I think we can fully judge him as a coach next season, and that’s his job as a coach to make the club successful.
“He just needs to bring in the right players and not deviate from the culture of the club. I think philosophy matters the most for the club and fans. You can see the pressure they’re putting him under; they’re demanding results.”
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