Nabi to miss Chiefs’ opening match against Stellenbosch

Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that head coach Nasreddine Nabi will not be travelling with the team for their opening match of the season against Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership.

According to Amakhosi, the coach has returned to Tunisia – Tunis due to a “critical accident” involving his wife. As a result, he will miss Chiefs’ first game of the new 2025/26 season against Stellenbosch FC.

The sold-out encounter is set to be staged at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday, with kick-off set for 17:30 SA time.

Chiefs released a statement on Friday, explaining that Nabi flew to Tunis to be with his family during this difficult time. They did not provide a timeline for his return, stating he will come back to South Africa once the situation has stabilised.

In Nabi’s absence, first assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef and second assistant coach Cedric Kaze will take charge of the team for Sunday’s match at Athlone Stadium.

Kaizer Chiefs Statement On Nasreddine Nabi

“We regret to inform our supporters that Coach Nasreddine Nabi will not be travelling with the team to Cape Town for our opening game of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season against Stellenbosch FC this Sunday. A critical accident involving his wife has occurred at his home in Tunisia, prompting the coach to travel this evening to be with her and the family,” reads the club statement.

“Coach Nabi will return to South Africa once the situation has stabilised.

“The coach has had discussions with the technical team to prepare for the game. In Coach Nabi’s absence, first assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef and second assistant coach Cedric Kaze will be on the bench for the upcoming game.

“Kaizer Chiefs would like to extend its best wishes to Coach Nabi and his family during this challenging time. We ask all supporters to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”