Kaizer Chiefs, a club perpetually in the spotlight, continues to make headlines even after the season has concluded, particularly due to the ongoing speculation surrounding their coaching vacancy.
Among the various candidates mentioned, the name of Nasreddine Nabi has persistently been linked with the position. Last season, following a triumphant campaign with Young Africans in Tanzania, Nabi was rumoured to be in consideration for the Chiefs role, but he ultimately ended up at Morocco's AS FAR Rabat.
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Under Nabi's guidance, AS FAR had mounted a formidable challenge for the Moroccan league title, engaging in a tight contest with Raja Casablanca. The Tunisian coach is celebrated for his team's fluid playing style, which not only delivers aesthetically pleasing football but also garners results.
Pundits, including Mark Haskins, have weighed in on the potential fit of Nabi's tactical approach with Chiefs' existing squad and footballing philosophy. Haskins, speaking on Sports Night Amplified with Andile, highlighted the compatibility of Nabi's direct style of play with the strengths of Chiefs' roster, particularly emphasizing the team's pace and wing play.
"Obviously, the direct approach I think it's kind of right up Kaizer Chiefs' ally. You know, if you look at the type of players they have especially with their wing play. The speed they have within the team, naturally it seems he would be a good fit," Haskins told Sports Night Amplified with Andile.
"But that's easier said than done and I love the likes of (Pule) Mmodi, Ashley Du Preez - the pace and power they have in terms of going forward, putting defenders under pressure and that seems to be from what coach Fadlu (Davids) is saying that's kind of right up Chiefs' ally, I think.
"I've always said that, for me, Chiefs are reminiscent of Manchester United, I think there are a lot of similarities. And Chiefs, I think, have never been a tika-taka team, have never been a team who are going to play 100 passes before they get forward or whatever the case may be.
"They have always been very direct and they can hurt you in a number of ways, I remember the days of Collins Mbesuma. We used to hate playing against him because (they) play the ball forward, he holds it up, players run in-behind him, whatever the case may be, or he turns his defender and shoots in the back of the net.
"Chiefs have been very much that kind of team and if that's his style of play then I think that for me would definitely suit the culture of Kaizer Chiefs or when Chiefs were the team we used to grow to love and the way they competed," Haskins further stated.
Drawing parallels between Chiefs and Premier League giants Manchester United, Haskins reflected on the similarities in their footballing identities, noting Chiefs' historical preference for a direct approach over possession-based tactics.
The past season was yet another challenging one for Chiefs, culminating in a disappointing tenth-place finish without any silverware to show for their efforts. The potential appointment of Nabi could herald a new chapter for Amakhosi, aligning with a style of play that resonates with the club's heritage and maximizes the current squad's strengths.
As speculation continues, the Chiefs faithful will be keenly watching for any developments that might signal a revival of the club's fortunes under a new tactical regime.
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