Nasreddine Nabi’s Final Contract Year at Kaizer Chiefs: A Season of High Stakes and Expectations
The 2025/26 season will be a defining chapter for Nasreddine Nabi at Kaizer Chiefs, as he enters the second and final year of his contract with the Soweto giants. While the Tunisian coach ended a decade-long trophy drought by winning the Nedbank Cup, his tenure has not been free of criticism, and the upcoming campaign will be crucial for his future at Naturena.
Despite delivering silverware, Nabi’s overall impact has divided opinion within the club and among its passionate fanbase. Speculation about his possible exit began swirling immediately after the cup success, driven partly by concerns over inconsistent league performances. Though contractual obligations kept him in charge for now, next June will present a simpler crossroads for both parties.
Statistically, Nabi’s record falls short when compared to his predecessors Molefi Ntseki and Cavin Johnson. While Ntseki and Johnson combined managed a 30% win rate last season, Nabi’s win percentage dipped to 28.57%, accompanied by a higher goals conceded tally—despite managing fewer matches. This trend has contributed to growing unease around the direction of the team.
The season ahead will be demanding, with Chiefs competing on multiple fronts: the Betway Premiership, Carling KnockOut Cup, Nedbank Cup, and the CAF Confederation Cup. The league campaign kicks off away to Stellenbosch on August 10, followed by a home fixture against Polokwane City three days later. Before the AFCON break in December, Chiefs will have 13 league matches under their belt. Meanwhile, their Confederation Cup journey begins in the preliminary round this September.
Nabi’s oft-repeated promise of “building” the squad will be scrutinized more harshly this season, especially after a campaign where Chiefs too often looked vulnerable and were easy prey for opponents. The club’s 43% defeat rate in league matches last term—the worst in their PSL history since 1996—cannot be tolerated again. Dropping 12 out of 28 league games and collecting less than half of the available points falls far short of the high standards expected at a club of Chiefs’ stature.
More than simply improving the win ratio, Nabi will be under immense pressure to transform Chiefs into genuine title contenders. The fanbase demands not just cup glory but consistent league dominance, with silverware in all competitions the ultimate goal. If the negative goal difference and defensive frailties persist, it could spell the end of Nabi’s tenure.
Adding to the off-field challenges, the club has recently grappled with issues such as counterfeit merchandise harming brand value, highlighting the pressures beyond the pitch.
Ultimately, Nabi faces the toughest test of his managerial career. Winning knockout silverware alone will no longer be enough to secure his position. With the spotlight firmly on him, the Tunisian must demonstrate clear progress, tactical acumen, and leadership to meet the lofty expectations that come with leading one of South Africa’s most storied football clubs.
Failure to do so may see his name listed among former Chiefs coaches sooner than he hopes. The 2025/26 season is Nabi’s moment to prove he can steer Kaizer Chiefs not only to trophies but to sustained success.
