Kaizer Chiefs assistant highlights the reality of coaching Amakhosi.
Cedric Kaze has opened up about the intense pressure head coach Nasreddine Nabi has faced in his debut PSL season, and how the Tunisian tactician remains laser-focused despite what Kaze calls “harsh” criticism from supporters and pundits alike.
Nabi arrived with a trophy-laden resume
When Amakhosi appointed Nasreddine Nabi as head coach, expectations skyrocketed. Chiefs fans hoped the Tunisian would quickly revive the club’s glory days, especially given his remarkable past.
Nabi led Tanzania’s Young Africans to back-to-back domestic trebles and a CAF Confederation Cup final. He also coached AS FAR Rabat to a runner-up league finish and a narrow loss in the Moroccan Throne Cup final last season. His earlier success includes a Sudanese double with Al-Merrikh SC in 2021/22 and a CAF Confederation Cup title with Congo’s FC Leopards in 2012.
Despite this stellar record, Nabi’s first season in South Africa has been turbulent. Chiefs have played 33 matches across all competitions—winning 13, drawing 7, and losing 13.
Kaze defends Nabi despite rocky start
Speaking ahead of the Nedbank Cup final, Kaze passionately defended Nabi’s handling of the pressure.
“I’ve [worked] with coach Nabi for almost two years. It’s true that it’s been a difficult season that we have been facing because of the expectations that have not been met yet,” Kaze admitted.
Despite the criticism, Kaze insisted Nabi remains unfazed and determined.
“But he has a lot of experience, he’s been in a lot of countries with a lot of teams. He understands the expectations. He also understands the struggles we’re going through. That gives him the tools to prepare for the future.”
“Sometimes, maybe he doesn’t understand the harsh judgments that he feels are too early to be made.”
Kaze: ‘Judgements are very quick’
Kaze acknowledged the reality of managing a high-profile club like Chiefs.
“But in football we have learnt, not only in South Africa, that the judgements are very quick to come and especially from the outside people who have the privilege of commenting on the results when the results are already there.”
Still, Nabi isn’t backing down. According to Kaze, the coach remains confident and motivated.
“But it’s the job he chose, and I talked to him this morning [Thursday], he’s pretty confident and eager to be on the touchline on Saturday in the Nedbank Cup final.”
Kaizer Chiefs are set to face fierce rivals Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, 10 May.
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Can Nabi silence the critics and win the Nedbank Cup?
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