The football world was buzzing on Wednesday afternoon with news that Kaizer Chiefs may have parted ways with head coach Nasreddine Nabi after just six matches in charge.
The club has yet to release an official statement about the situation, leaving fans and pundits speculating.
Former Chiefs winger Junior Khanye shared his thoughts on iDiski TV, saying he wasn’t surprised by the reports and offered a candid critique of Nabi’s tenure at Naturena.
Khanye Questions Nabi’s Impact on the Team
Khanye pointed out that Chiefs had been performing well before Nabi’s arrival, winning three games in his absence.
“I’m not surprised because the guy was not there when the season started. They won three games without him.
When he left, the team was winning, and when he returned, he had to answer questions on why the team suddenly started losing,” Khanye said.
He added that Nabi had failed to maintain the momentum and that the team’s performance had worsened under his guidance.
“I think he failed dismally; he lost games he shouldn’t have. He made Chiefs worse.
The Chiefs under Arthur [Zwane] were better,” Khanye remarked.
Criticism of Nabi’s Trophy Success
Khanye also questioned the legitimacy of Nabi’s previous success with the Nedbank Cup, suggesting external factors played a role in the victories.
“When he was signed, his mandate was to win a trophy, which he did.
The way he won the Nedbank Cup raises a lot of questions because the referees played a huge role…against Stellenbosch, in the final and also against Sundowns,” Khanye said.
He called on Chiefs’ management to take responsibility for hiring Nabi in the first place.
“Why did they take Nabi if Pitso [Mosimane] and Rulani [Mokwena] were available? Football is not an event; it’s a process,” he added.
Concerns About Nabi’s Support Staff
Khanye warned that the presence of Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaize could complicate Chiefs’ internal dynamics, as they remain loyal to Nabi.
“These are Nabi’s people. They are still going to communicate telephonically.
Obviously, they won’t reveal to the management that they are communicating with him but it will happen,” he said.
He emphasized the need for Chiefs to hire a coach who can bring in their own team, rather than relying on someone tied to Nabi’s network.
“Just because he won three matches, Chiefs will make him an interim coach.
I still say they must hire a coach and let him bring his own team.”
Who Should Take the Helm at Chiefs?
Khanye’s comments leave one question lingering for fans: who should be the next head coach to lead Kaizer Chiefs back to stability and success? The debate is now firmly in the hands of the club’s management and supporters.