Just days after lifting the Nedbank Cup and ending Kaizer Chiefs’ decade-long trophy drought, head coach Nasreddine Nabi has been forced to address swirling speculation around his future at the club.
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The Tunisian tactician, who has led the Amakhosi to their first major silverware since 2015, appeared on Radio 947’s Marawa Sports Worldwide on Monday night and admitted his surprise at reports suggesting he could be leaving at the end of the 2024/25 season.
“I'm very surprised about these rumours and notions,” Nabi said. “Because I'm very concentrated on the remaining two games that are coming.”
The 58-year-old's comments came just hours after Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr and Marketing Director Jessica Motaung publicly backed the coach, stating that there is confidence in his leadership and that a foundation has been laid for a longer-term project.
But the timing of those endorsements has raised eyebrows in football circles. Despite the club’s cup success, local reports have suggested that Nabi may be moved on before next season begins.
Behind The Scenes: Why Now?
Insiders close to the situation have told the Siya crew that talk of Nabi's potential exit has not materialised overnight. Even prior to the Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates, there were murmurs of uncertainty about whether the club’s hierarchy was fully aligned with the coach’s long-term vision.
It is believed that some elements within the Chiefs’ top brass were initially lukewarm about Nabi’s style and tactical approach when results were inconsistent during the first half of the season. However, that sentiment has seemingly shifted in recent weeks, with Chiefs now rallying behind their head coach.
“We believe that these two games, the guys will do their best,” Jessica Motaung said during the club’s media day. “Ours is to make sure that we continue supporting [Nabi] and that they're successful. So there's still a lot of confidence.”
Contract Situation Remains Unchanged — For Now
Nabi himself confirmed that his contract remains intact, with a year still left on his current deal.
“I still have a contract and I’m not worried about that,” he reiterated. “Kaizer Chiefs is my family. I have a mission and responsibility. Today, I want to enjoy the success.”
That said, the fact that such speculation has surfaced at all, especially so close to the team’s biggest success in a decade, has prompted questions from fans and pundits alike.
Why has the club not been more aggressive in shutting down these rumours earlier? If there is truly full backing, why are exit talks even being entertained?
Transfer Window Complications Loom
The timing of the speculation couldn’t be worse. Chiefs are entering a critical off-season window, where a squad rebuild has already been mapped out, reportedly with Nabi’s direct input. Uncertainty over his position could impact transfer targets, preseason plans and potentially contract negotiations with several key players.
Sources within the club have hinted that Nabi submitted a wishlist of reinforcements prior to the Nedbank Cup final, targeting specific positions to bolster the squad ahead of the new season. However, until his future is settled publicly and unequivocally, there remains a question mark over whether that list will be actioned.
Momentum Must Not Be Lost
While Chiefs celebrate the long-awaited trophy, the risk of derailing momentum is real. The Amakhosi still have two important league fixtures to play, with a Top Eight finish yet to be secured.
“We are very concentrated for the remaining two games,” Nabi told Marawa. “Because it's very important to finish in the Top Eight. I don’t want to lose the momentum that the cup has created.”
Indeed, that momentum has not just come on the pitch. Chiefs' fan base has re-engaged emotionally with the team, and for the first time in years, there appears to be genuine belief that the club is moving forward under a capable and modern coach.
Club Standing By Their Man...For Now
Kaizer Motaung Jr also weighed in on the situation, offering what appeared to be a measured but firm vote of confidence.
“I think in all the interviews that we've had, we've been very clear,” he said. “The coach has a contract, he is here with us. We just won a trophy. And you know we sat before the season, and they had a particular plan. The technical staff has done tremendous work and he's our coach.”
Yet for all the public reassurances, the swirling reports have not gone away. Whether that’s due to external interest in Nabi, internal hesitation, or simply misinformation remains unclear.
What Happens Next?
What should be a time of celebration has become a period of lingering questions. Does the club trust Nabi to lead them into a new era, or was the Nedbank Cup a final flourish before a quiet parting of ways?
Chiefs have two games to close out the season, and all eyes will be on the touchline, not just to see if the team can finish strong, but to determine whether Nasreddine Nabi will be there at the start of next season.
For now, the Tunisian remains focused on the task at hand.
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