Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has stated that this season should not come with high expectations for the team to win the league or trophies as they are in a rebuilding phase.
Ahead of the Carling Knockout quarter-final against Mamelodi Sundowns, which Amakhosi eventually lost 4-0, Nabi once again reiterated that the team and the supporters should not expect too much this season.
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Though, this time it's the way Nabi stated, "The expectations should not be too high," in context with winning trophies that a critic might say the Tunisian coach had already thrown in the towel so early in the PSL season and so early in the Carling Knockout campaign.
On the other hand, one might say that Nabi was being realistic and to be fair, it is yet another transitional phase for Chiefs.
According to insiders at the club, management understands Nabi's perspective.
Siya sources added that the feeling at Amakhosi is coach Nabi is being realistic after assessing how the team performed last season and where they are now tactically, technically and mentally.
"There is nothing wrong with what the coach said. It's not like he talks about things that the club doesn't know. Even before he took over the job he explained to the management and board that looking at how the club did last season, the first season on his work should be to rebuild the team and the brand, and if you look not only on the field of play but also at the attendance, the club is on the right track," said the Siya source.
"That's the first step. But obviously, no team wants to build without winning because that's what brings confidence back to the club, from the players, to management, to the board and the supporters. So the coach saying we should not expect a lot doesn't mean he doesn't want to win but he is just being realistic and it's working because we have to improve the players technically, tactically, physically and mentally and the technical team is doing a great job on that," the source added.
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A second insider stated that the team would be happy with a top-four finish, which could qualify them for Africa and the MTN8 next season.
"Obviously there is a target and expectations. Qualifying for Africa and the MTN8 is top of the agenda. And with only the league and Nedbank Cup remaining now, winning one would not be a mistake but they are looking at what could be the true reality which is a top four finish and to fight for the Nedbank Cup as much as they can while building a strong team to fight for the league next season. That's the agenda and the mandate for this season. No need to panic as they are building for the future," the second insider stated.
Chiefs are already falling far behind leaders Orlando Pirates who have won all their matches so far but they probably won't be comparing themselves to Bucs on the table yet. Amakhosi's next league game is against Richards Bay on 27 November at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
As Chiefs continue their rebuilding process under coach Nabi, the focus remains on long-term growth and development. While immediate success may not be the primary goal, the team's progress and realistic expectations set the foundation for future achievements. Fans will be eager to see how the season unfolds and how the team evolves.
