Former midfielder Linda Buthelezi says Coach Nasreddine Nabi’s true success at Kaizer Chiefs will depend on player development and long-term vision

Former midfielder Linda Buthelezi says Coach Nasreddine Nabi’s true success at Kaizer Chiefs will depend on player development and long-term vision

Linda Buthelezi, a former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, is taking a cautious yet optimistic approach when assessing the club’s new coach, Nasreddine Nabi.

Although the coach has brought in promising changes, Buthelezi believes it will take more time to fully evaluate his impact.

Early Wins But More Time Needed

Nabi, who stepped in as Chiefs’ head coach for the 2024/25 PSL season, has already begun to make his mark.

With two victories in his first three Betway Premiership games and a commanding 4-0 win over SuperSport United in the Carling Knockout Cup, hopes have been reignited among fans.

However, Buthelezi stresses that these early successes shouldn’t be the only yardstick for measuring Nabi’s future at the club.

He suggests the coach needs at least four more months to truly transform the team.

Player Development Takes Priority

Buthelezi points out that while the recent wins are encouraging, the real test of Nabi’s leadership will lie in how well the players develop under his guidance.

“It’s not just about winning matches; it’s about seeing progress within the squad,” he explained, highlighting that several players still need to improve their performances.

He also believes that playing for Kaizer Chiefs requires a higher level of commitment, urging players to bring their best game.

Fresh Energy, New Expectations

Despite his cautious stance, Buthelezi praised the Chiefs’ management for the bold move of hiring Nabi, seeing it as a step toward bringing fresh energy into the club.

He remarked that the new coach has brought fresh ideas, but the real sign of his success will be visible in how the players reflect his influence on the field.

Ultimately, while Nabi’s initial results have been promising, the long-term growth of the team will be the true measure of his success.