Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi is on thin ice.
The Tunisian’s first Soweto Derby might be his last, or it could become the 59-year-old’s defining moment – the first feather in his yellow, stripey hat.
Beat Orlando Pirates, and he’ll have the AmaKhosi faithful in awe, including Kaizer Moutang; get fooled, and they will lose what little confidence they have, putting Nabi’s position in jeopardy.
The Glamour Boys lie fifth on the log, six points behind Orlando Pirates, who have three games in hand. The Buccaneers have dominated their Soweton neighbours over the past three seasons, losing just two games this campaign—a stark contrast to Kaizer Chiefs five.
It seems set to be another throwaway season for Chiefs, meaning there will be added emphases on how they fair against Orlando Pirates, who, albeit in second place, are matching Mamelodi Sundowns stride-for-stride, qualifying for the Champions League quarter-finals, along with winning the MTN8 Cup.
The palpable Soweto Derby will be judgement day for Nabi; and you can be sure the whole nation will be watching.
Last season’s Soweto Derbies
Orlando Pirates beat Kaizer Chiefs – who were under the command of Cavin Johnson – on both occasions: 1-0 and 3-2
Neither were runaway victories for Jose Riveiro, insinuating that an Orlando Pirates thumping on February 1 could spell the end of Nabi’s tenure at Chiefs – underperforming would suggest he’s failed to propel the Glamour Boys forward.
There are already whispers of inpatient individuals in Naturena calling for the Tunisian’s exit; following Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 defeat to Golden Arrows on January 12, SoccerLadumareported that “there was a meeting just like after every game to analyse what went wrong against Golden Arrows but the issue of the coach (Nabi) was then discussed,
“Yes, there were two groups of minds. One saying they should give him games to prove himself before the end of the season and if he fails in those games then they part ways.
“While the other side still believes that he needs time to turn the fortunes around. That side believes he has brought some positivity to the team (Chiefs.”
Kaizer Chiefs will be playing for man than just bragging rights when they face Orlando Pirates, they will be playing for the clubs stability and Nabi’s future.
Do you think Kaizer Chiefs will beat Orlando Pirates?
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