Kaizer Chiefs issue statement on Nabi’s future

In a move to quell swirling rumours, Kaizer Chiefs have addressed the future of head coach Nasreddine Nabi, confirming that he is currently in discussions with the club and is not with the team.

The club’s statement follows a week of internal turmoil that has reportedly strained the relationship between Nabi and management. The tension began following a 3-1 league defeat to Sekhukhune United, which ended the team’s unbeaten run. In the aftermath, Nabi was allegedly summoned to a meeting at Naturena and handed a suspension letter, which stated that he would not travel with the team for their CAF Confederation Cup match in Angola.

It is said that the suspension was related to an investigation into his coaching qualifications. However, the suspension was promptly rescinded after Nabi presented proof of his UEFA Pro Licence, a top-tier coaching credential valid until December 2026.

Despite the club’s reversal, it is widely believed that the trust between Nabi and the Amakhosi hierarchy has been irreparably damaged. Nabi did not travel with the squad for their match against Kabuscorp SCP, leaving his two assistant coaches, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, to take charge on Saturday.

In their official statement on Friday, Chiefs emphasised that the matter is internal and no further details will be disclosed at this time.

But with trust between the parties seemingly broken, Nabi’s departure from Amakhosi appears imminent. The two sides are now expected to discuss a mutual separation agreement before his exit is officially announced.

Despite winning the Nedbank Cup and ending the club’s long-standing trophy drought, Nabi’s first season was challenging, as he struggled to secure a top-eight league finish. The recent events, including his brief suspension over a qualifications dispute, signal that the relationship with the club has reached a breaking point.

KAIZER CHIEFS CONFIRM NABI’S ABSENCE IN A STATEMENT

Media Statement / Communication
Kaizer Chiefs Football Club

Kaizer Chiefs confirms that Head Coach Nasreddine Nabi is currently not with the team as discussions between the Club and the Coach remain ongoing. The matter is internal in nature and is being addressed through the… pic.twitter.com/3xi7inATX5

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) September 19, 2025

“Kaizer Chiefs confirms that Head Coach Nasreddine Nabi is currently not with the team as discussions between the Club and the Coach remain ongoing. The matter is internal in nature and is being addressed through the appropriate processes,” reads the club’s statement.

“The Club remains focused on ensuring stability and continuity for the players and supporters during this period. As this is an internal matter, no further details will be shared at this stage.

“We appreciate the continued support and understanding of our supporters and the broader football community. Any updates will be communicated through official Club channels when appropriate.”

Trust between coach Nasreddine Nabi and Kaizer Chiefs management has reportedly broken down, making his departure from the club appear imminent. The two sides are expected to negotiate the terms of a mutual separation before an official announcement is made.

While Nabi brought home the Nedbank Cup and ended the club’s nine-year trophy drought, his first season at Naturena was marked by inconsistency, including a failure to secure a top-eight league finish. The recent bizarre incident involving a brief suspension over a qualifications dispute has reportedly shattered their relationship, pushing it past the point of no return.