Kaizer Chiefs fans had something to cheer about after their side pulled off an exciting 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semifinals.
But while that result might have lifted spirits temporarily, not everyone is buying into the idea that the team has truly turned a corner.
In fact, some football pundits are still calling out what they see as major issues with the squad.
Junior Khanye Thinks Chiefs Are Far From Elite
Former footballer Junior Khanye didn’t hold back when sharing his thoughts about Amakhosi’s current lineup.
Even after the dramatic semifinal win, he made it clear on iDiski TV that he doesn’t rate the team highly.
“I think Kaizer Chiefs have got average players,” Khanye said bluntly.
He singled out Gaston Sirino as an exception but claimed the rest of the squad simply isn’t up to standard.
According to him, that’s the reason teams like Golden Arrows and TS Galaxy aren’t intimidated by Chiefs anymore.
“Every club believes they can beat them,” he added.
Teko Modise Defends Coach Nabi and Calls for Patience
While the squad is facing criticism, head coach Nasreddine Nabi has found some support—especially from former Orlando Pirates and Sundowns star Teko Modise.
Speaking to iDiski Times, Modise said he believes Nabi deserves a fair shot to make his mark.
“I think coach Nabi does deserve a chance, he does deserve more time,” Modise said.
He pointed out that many of the players currently under Nabi were part of the same struggling squad from last season.
For Modise, the problem isn’t necessarily with the coach, but rather with the lack of fresh talent that fits Nabi’s playing style.
He added, “You can change as many coaches as you want, but as long as the players are the same and are not responding to the coach’s instructions or ideology, it’s always going to be very difficult.”
Is Change on the Horizon?
Modise believes that if Nabi is given time and the chance to sign a few of his own players, things could start to shift for the better.
He encouraged the club to invest in the coach, suggesting that he could be the solution the Chiefs need—even if success doesn’t happen overnight.
“Not every coach, especially in South African football, becomes successful in the first season,” Modise said, urging patience and long-term vision.