Kaizer Chiefs are experiencing another challenging season and with head coach Nasreddine Nabi's position under question, the Siya crew investigates the latest on the status of his job.
Soccer Laduma had previously reported how Nabi’s Amakhosi future hinged on reaching the Nedbank Cup final—by needing to beat Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals on Sunday.
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The Siya crew had already noted that there were differing opinions in Chiefs management as to whether Amakhosi should part ways with Nabi after they exit the Nedbank Cup, hypothetically speaking.
Other members of management felt the club should wait for the end of the season to review the context of the situation. Soccer Laduma had also recently reported that Chiefs were keen for Nabi to fulfill his three-year contract but recent results have turned up the pressure on the Tunisian.
Now, insiders close to Amakhosi have indicated that Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung is one of those firmly backing the Tunisian coach.
The Siya sources stated that Motaung emphasized Nabi should not be judged solely on this season’s performance, as he has not yet had the time or players necessary to execute his vision fully.
"In the meeting after the Golden Arrows loss it was believed that certain other members would have given coach Nabi until the semi-finals against Sundowns to stay or go, depending on the result. But apparently, the football manager Bobby (Motaung) is against letting the coach being relieved of his duties at this stage of the season. It's believed that Bobby is of the view that if the coach can get in all the players he needs for next season then things can be much better. Bobby apparently believes that if the coach is given enough time until next season then the team can improve," the Siya source told Soccer Laduma.
A second insider stated that Chiefs management is judging further progress on the Nedbank Cup title or securing a top-eight league finish. The latter, in particular, MTN8 qualification could play a crucial role in Nabi remaining in charge.
"Yes, there were those thoughts about the issue of the Nedbank Cup semi-finals against Sundowns but they didn't all agree and that's why they are looking at the top eight finish which could be very important this season. So, for now, what we know is he will be safe if the team can qualify for the top eight at the end of the season," the second insider told the Siya crew.
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Nabi, who joined the club at the beginning of the season, faces a major test in the Nedbank Cup semi-final with the Brazilians on Sunday. Alternatively, if they don't lift the cup, he needs to guide the team to a top-eight finish in the PSL. Chiefs currently sit in eighth place on the league table, under pressure to secure that crucial spot before the season concludes as they probably can't afford to go on another bad run of results.
Soccer Laduma attempted to reach Chiefs for comment on the matter, but the club had not responded at the time of publication.
