Nabi Rejects Blame Game for Kaizer Chiefs’ Struggles: ‘A New Striker Can’t Fix Everything’

Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has remained steadfast in the face of his team’s struggles, refusing to single out any players for the club’s ongoing crisis. Despite an impressive possession game and an abundance of chances created, Amakhosi have faced a consistent challenge in converting opportunities into goals, leaving them in a disappointing position in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) standings.

The latest setback for Chiefs came in their opening match of 2025, a defeat against Cape Town City. However, Nabi, who took charge in July 2024, insists that blaming his players or expecting a new striker to solve all their issues is not the solution.

“It’s obvious when you look at the squad that we feel there is a need to strengthen the team, but we don’t want to throw our players under the bus saying that they are not good,” Nabi told journalists after the loss. “No, they are good, today they are in our squad, they are in our team. But every transfer window we will take the opportunity to try to strengthen the team.”

Nabi’s comments reflect a measured approach, highlighting that while the club has been working hard to improve the squad, the problems in the final third require more than just the addition of a new striker.

“The club is working hard to find the best opportunities that are possible and we hope that everything can improve our squad,” Nabi continued. “But we don’t feel that the [new] striker can resolve all the issues that we have been having in the final third. The first thing is for every player to step up, to be more calm when we get into those situations to make better decisions and make more movement to support the play. The striker can give more opportunities and something more, but he can’t resolve everything.”

Despite his emphasis on teamwork and player development, the pressure is mounting on Nabi to find a solution to Chiefs’ struggles. The club’s recent performances have raised concerns among fans and management alike, with Amakhosi currently sitting in seventh place in the PSL standings. Their record of four wins, three draws, and four losses from 11 matches has left them with 15 points, far from the expectations placed on a club of Kaizer Chiefs’ stature.

In an effort to turn the situation around, Chiefs acquired seven new players under Nabi’s guidance, including former Mamelodi Sundowns standout Gaston Sirino. However, these signings have yet to deliver the desired impact, and Nabi has called for further reinforcements in the January transfer window.

“The first thing is for every player to step up, to be more calm when we get into those situations to make better decisions,” Nabi added. “The striker can give more opportunities, but he can’t resolve everything.”

With the January transfer window now open, Chiefs have expressed interest in several players, including Polokwane City’s standout talent Oswin Appollis and Pyramids FC’s Fiston Mayele. However, it remains uncertain whether the club will be willing to make the financial commitments necessary to bring in these players.

Kaizer Chiefs will aim to get back on track when they face Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday, January 8, at the FNB Stadium. As the team looks to recover from recent disappointments, the match presents a crucial opportunity to regain momentum and restore confidence in Nabi’s approach.