Nabi snubs ex-assistants in emotional Chiefs farewell

Nasreddine Nabi has broken his silence following his departure from Kaizer Chiefs, issuing an emotional farewell message to supporters while snubbing his former assistant coaches, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.

The Glamour Boys officially announced their “amicable” separation with Nabi on Friday, October 10th, following weeks of speculation surrounding the coach’s future.

Despite being the coach who famously ended Chiefs’ decade-long trophy drought, Nabi’s relationship with the club reportedly deteriorated beyond repair in recent weeks. This breakdown led the club to request that the Tunisian tactician step aside as head coach.

The coach last sat on the bench during the 3-1 Betway Premiership defeat against Sekhukhune United last month. Following his sidelining, assistant coaches Kaze and Ben Youssef took over the reins and have since been appointed on an interim basis for the remainder of the campaign.

While expressing his gratitude to everyone at the club, the former Young Africans SC coach lamented that his departure was so sudden that he didn’t have time to bid his players farewell.

The Glaring Omission by Nabi

Notably, Nabi’s extensive farewell message failed to mention Kaze and Ben Youssef, the very two assistant coaches he brought to the club.

This glaring omission comes amid circulating reports within South African football circles suggesting that Ben Youssef and Kaze had betrayed Nabi by taking over the coaching reins at Naturena. Kaze recently responded to those claims, insisting on their professionalism:

“Every team goes through such moments, and we are professional, we are here to work for Kaizer Chiefs, and we know what is in front of us.”

In contrast to the snub, Nabi went out of his way to thank his strength and conditioning coach, Majdi Safi, and goalkeeper coach, Elyes Mzoughi, specifically citing their “loyalty” and “support.”

What Nabi Said to the Faithful

Writing on Instagram, Nabi’s lengthy statement was aimed primarily at the playing squad and the club’s leadership and legends:

Nabi On His Players and Legacy:

“To my players: I could not say goodbye and hug you as I would have wished, but know that I am proud of you and grateful for all the efforts you made… To the young players: you are the jewels of this club. Believe in yourselves, work hard, and learn from every moment.

Nabi also offered thanks to chairman Dr Motaung for the opportunity and gave a special mention to club legends, including Dr Khumalo, Siphiwe Tshabalala, and Coach Arthur Zwane, stating they “welcomed me, treated me well, and always supported me.

“To the true supporters: thank you for your loyalty and your faith in this project… Your support was the most important one; you are the true strength of the club… I leave with intact pride of having worn these gold and black colours, of having ended the drought, and of having been part of the greatest club in South Africa. Shapa Khosi Shapaa.”