Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi could be considering a shift in his technical team setup by bringing in a local assistant coach – if he stays on with the club for the new season.
In what has been a mixed campaign for Amakhosi, speculation is rife that the Tunisian mentor may be rethinking his approach after enduring a challenging first season in the Betway Premiership.
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Chiefs currently sit ninth on the log ahead of their final fixture against Polokwane City at FNB Stadium, and there’s a risk of missing out on a Top Eight finish for the second consecutive year.
While Chiefs lifted the Nedbank Cup after an impressive win over rivals Orlando Pirates, the league form has fallen well below expectations for a club of Chiefs’ stature.
With Nabi having surrounded himself with a foreign technical team during his debut campaign – a structure he has historically preferred, sources indicate there have been ongoing internal discussions about refreshing the setup to include someone with local knowledge and experience.
Such a move could help bridge the gap between the coaching staff and the South African football culture, possibly aiding better communication with players and an improved understanding of the local game’s dynamics.
“There have been discussions around that possibility, and it’s something that’s being looked at. Some agents have already started putting forward names of local coaches they believe could be a good fit. But ultimately, the club will make the final decision on what direction to take next season,” said a source close to the situation.
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Nabi’s own future at Naturena remains unclear, with talks said to be ongoing between the coach and club management as they review the season and plan for the future.
A decision to incorporate local expertise into his team may also be seen as a gesture of commitment to adapting and building a longer-term project with the Soweto giants.
