Kaizer Chiefs have sensationally parted ways with head coach Nasreddine Nabi, just hours after he was instructed to “step aside” from training at Naturena this morning. The Tunisian tactician, who guided Amakhosi to end their 10-year trophy drought by winning the Nedbank Cup earlier this year, will not travel with the squad to Angola for Saturday’s CAF Confederation Cup clash against Kabuscorp.
Club insiders (SABC Sport) confirmed that Nabi was told his CAF coaching license had expired, rendering him ineligible to sit on the bench during continental matches. Chiefs have since announced that his contract has been terminated by mutual agreement.
“This morning, Coach Nabi was officially informed to step aside from Kaizer Chiefs. He missed today’s training session and will not travel with the team to Angola for their CAF Confederation Cup clash. The assistants will take charge.”
License row sparks fury
In a dramatic twist, respected African football journalist Micky Jnr revealed that Nabi produced proof of a renewed license on the spot, but Chiefs management refused to recognize it, insisting they would “investigate its authenticity.”
The embattled coach hit back furiously:
“If I didn’t have a CAF license, how did I coach Yanga to the Confederation Cup final? How did I sit on the bench against AS FAR in the Champions League?”
Sources close to the coach allege that the entire saga is “sabotage from within,” pointing to a complete breakdown of trust between Nabi and Chiefs hierarchy.
A brutal week for Amakhosi
The fallout comes less than 24 hours after Chiefs slumped to a 3-1 home defeat against Sekhukhune United at FNB Stadium, raising more questions about the team’s direction.
Nabi’s assistants, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, who previously oversaw a bright three-game winning run during Nabi’s absence earlier in the season, will now take charge on an interim basis.
Fans divided, succession battle looms
Supporters remain split: while some credit Nabi for breaking Chiefs’ decade-long trophy drought, others have openly backed Ben Youssef to be handed the reins permanently.
Meanwhile, speculation is already mounting about possible long-term replacements. Big names such as Pitso Mosimane, Jose Riveiro, and even Jose Mourinho have been touted, though financial realities may see Chiefs look at more affordable options.
The timing of Nabi’s exit couldn’t be more precarious, as Amakhosi juggle domestic struggles with continental ambitions. Adding to the chaos, Chiefs are also linked with potential transfers from Young Africans, Nabi’s former club, hinting at further behind-the-scenes turbulence.
For now, Nabi remains in South Africa awaiting legal consultation before departing. Chiefs are expected to issue a formal statement in due course.
This is a developing story.
