Nasreddine Nabi Under Pressure to End Kaizer Chiefs’ Trophy Drought

Kaizer Chiefs fans are watching closely as Nasreddine Nabi, the experienced Tunisian coach, attempts to revive the club’s glory days. After a decade without silverware, expectations are high for the Soweto giants to break their long-standing trophy drought.

Since taking over at the start of the season, Nabi has been working to rebuild Chiefs into a formidable force. However, inconsistency has plagued the team, leaving them far from the dominant side they aspire to be. The Tunisian tactician has acknowledged that while progress is being made, there is still a long road ahead.

Struggles and Challenges

Chiefs’ journey under Nabi has been far from smooth. Despite flashes of brilliance, they have struggled to maintain consistency throughout matches. The coach has pointed out that the team is still not at the level he envisions but remains optimistic about their trajectory.

“We still have a lot of work to do… a long road to travel. We are not even half the team we dream of, but the biggest certainty is that we’re heading in the right direction,” said Nabi, as quoted by Sowetan Live.

One of the key issues has been controlling games for the full 90 minutes. Nabi has emphasized the importance of dictating the tempo, knowing when to accelerate and when to slow down, to achieve consistency.

The Race for Silverware

Currently sitting 17 points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, Chiefs’ chances of winning the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title are slim. However, the Nedbank Cup presents a real opportunity to end their trophy drought. Reaching the quarter-finals has given fans hope that they could finally lift a trophy this season.

If Nabi can guide Chiefs to Nedbank Cup glory, he will cement his place in Soweto folklore. Several high-profile coaches—including Steve Komphela, Gavin Hunt, and Ernst Middendorp—have tried and failed to restore Chiefs’ winning tradition, making Nabi’s task even more daunting.

Building Momentum

Chiefs are currently on a three-match unbeaten run in all competitions, a much-needed confidence boost as they prepare for their next challenge against SuperSport United. A victory in this crucial fixture would help the team push into the PSL top four, strengthening their hopes of a strong finish to the season.

For Nabi, the upcoming games will be defining moments in his tenure. If he can continue to improve the team’s performances and deliver silverware, he will not only silence his critics but also mark the beginning of a new era for Kaizer Chiefs.