Kaizer Chiefs Coach Nabi Slams Exit Rumours, Eyes Strong Finish with Fans’ Backing

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has strongly refuted reports that he’s set to leave the club at the end of the season, calling such rumours “disrespectful” and “damaging” to the team’s focus and morale.

Despite leading Amakhosi to a historic Nedbank Cup victory—their first trophy in a decade—Nabi’s future has come under scrutiny amid Chiefs' disappointing league position. The Soweto giants sit ninth in the Betway Premiership, in danger of missing the Top 8 for a second consecutive season.

Nabi: “I’m Still Here. Respect That.”

In a tense pre-match press conference ahead of Chiefs’ league clash against Sekhukhune United, which ended 1-1, Nabi lashed out at recent media speculation:

“Why every time it’s ‘Nabi is leaving or staying’? This is not good. I respect all the journalists—I ask them to respect me too.”

He stressed the impact of such reports:

“This news creates confusion in my team... It’s not professional, and it’s not correct. People across Africa think I’m free—it’s false. Please, be professional.”

Local Assistant Coach Considered

Amid broader season reviews, sources close to the club say Nabi is considering restructuring his technical team—potentially bringing in a local assistant to bridge the cultural gap and better align with South African football dynamics.

While Nabi traditionally surrounds himself with a foreign staff, internal talks suggest Chiefs are exploring domestic coaching names to support communication and tactical adaptation.

Final League Showdown: All Eyes on FNB

Despite a run of eight winless league matches, Chiefs can still qualify for the MTN8 if they win their final fixture against Polokwane City at FNB Stadium.

Nabi has issued a rallying cry to supporters:

“We’re playing at home. Everyone knows how important this game is. I want to ask all the fans to come to FNB Stadium. We need their support—we need the three points.”

Chiefs’ Top 8 Scenario

• Current Position: 9th, 31 points
• Final Match: vs Polokwane City (33 pts)
• A win could move them into the Top 8—if Chippa United drop points.

What’s Next for Nabi?

While talks are ongoing between Nabi and the club's board regarding his future, insiders say his openness to adapting his technical team may signal a desire to build long-term at Naturena.