Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi is feeling the toll of the side's injury crisis as new signing Thabo Cele becomes the latest to get on the treatment table at a crucial time of the season. In suffering a 10th defeat of the campaign at the hands of Golden Arrows on Saturday, March 29, 2025, Chiefs were also dealt a massive blow as Cele had to be substituted after 45 minutes due to an injury.
Nabi lamented the club's current injury crisis that sees Rushwin Dortley, Reeve Frosler, and now Cele sidelined, among others. "I prefer to comment on the general performance of the team and not an individual player,” Nabi stated during his post-match press conference at Moses Mabhida Stadium. "I think we have been unlucky with the injuries we have had, especially right now. Our right-back Reeve (Frosler) is injured and our left centre-back who is normally playing, (Rushwin Dortley), as well as Thabo Cele and another latest addition in Tashreeq Morris, who are our latest addition, is injured. We feel that it’s a lot to take, but we have to keep our energy positive," he added.
The Soweto giants are yet to give an update on the nature of the KwaMashu-born star's injury and how long he is expected to be out. Should he not be available for the next match, Nabi could call on Sibongiseni Mthethwa against TS Galaxy at New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
On the same day, Nabi also revealed his stance on whether a local assistant coach would have aided his adaptation in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) as Amakhosi continue to struggle in the Betway Premiership. Despite guiding Chiefs to the Nedbank Cup semifinals, showcasing their potential in knockout competitions, their inconsistent performances in the league are concerning.
"I don’t think the problem is that aspect [local coach]. Everyone who wears a Kaizer Chiefs jersey is a South African,” Nabi remarked when discussing the need for a local assistant. His current team consists of Cedric Kaze, Khalil Ben Youssef, Ilyes Mzoughi, and Safi Majdi. "Before I came to South Africa, I analysed the PSL. If you ask me a question about Chiefs game number 20, I will give you the performance. The problem is not here. If you take this jersey, you are a South African, you are a Khosi. The problem is not nationality. All my staff know, if you are a professional, you don’t need much time to analyse the PSL."
However, the results have not matched the expectations, and the pressure is mounting on Nabi. Following the 2-1 defeat to Golden Arrows, Chiefs supporters are calling for his dismissal. This latest loss came on the heels of a dismal 2-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Richards Bay in their previous match. With only seven matches remaining in the league, Chiefs find themselves precariously in eighth place, with the possibility of finishing outside the top eight looming large.
Under Nabi’s stewardship, the team has played 23 league matches, managing only eight victories. This poor record has fueled growing calls for the club’s management to reconsider his role at the helm of the once-dominant club. Whether the management will respond to mounting pressure remains to be seen. However, if they decide to part ways with Nabi, they must also take responsibility for the process of appointing his successor. After all, this is the same management that selected Nabi and must be held accountable for what many now consider a failed appointment.
Furthermore, this is the leadership that has overseen nine consecutive trophyless seasons, leaving fans increasingly disillusioned. For years, various stakeholders have urged club owner Kaizer Motaung to adopt a more professional approach to the club’s administration, rather than continuing to appoint family members to key positions. However, Motaung has remained resolute in his decisions, showing little willingness to change—a reality that passionate Amakhosi supporters have had to endure.
As the pressure mounts and the likelihood of another trophyless season grows, the management’s next move will be closely scrutinized. Perhaps Chiefs could take inspiration from clubs such as SuperSport United and Cape Town City, both of whom recently dismissed highly experienced coaches—Gavin Hunt and Muhsin Ertugral, respectively—following a sharp decline in results. Their decisions to make managerial changes reflect a growing trend among football clubs that refuse to accept mediocrity and are willing to take bold action to rejuvenate their teams.
Meanwhile, Nabi has also commented on Kaizer Chiefs captain Yusuf Maart after his latest display. Maart missed a penalty in the first half against Golden Arrows but redeemed himself minutes later with a goal from a Gaston Sirino assist. Knox Mutizwa scored the winner for Golden Arrows with 12 minutes to play. Nabi praised Maart's character, stating, "I think that it shows the strong character that he has, coming from missing the penalty to score after. And I think that in the game he was present and that is that kind of mental strength that we need," he said via translator and assistant coach Cedric Kaze.
As Chiefs prepare to host TS Galaxy in their next match, they will be aiming to collect their first win after three Betway Premiership matches. With their current form and mounting pressure, the stakes could not be higher for both the players and the coaching staff. The upcoming match on April 5, 2025, could prove pivotal in determining the direction of the club as they battle to restore their former glory.
