Just days before Kaizer Chiefs were set to kick off their 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign, unexpected personal circumstances have shaken the team’s plans.
The highly anticipated clash against Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium on Sunday will go ahead — but without head coach Nasreddine Nabi on the sidelines.
Coach Nabi Forced to Miss Match Due to Family Emergency
The club confirmed on Saturday that Nabi will not travel with the squad to the Western Cape after a serious accident involving his wife in Tunisia. The incident prompted him to fly home immediately to be with her and the rest of his family.
In an official statement, Kaizer Chiefs explained:
“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 his absence, first assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef and second assistant coach Cedric Kaze will be on the bench for the upcoming match.”
Disruption to a Carefully Planned Start
Nabi, now in his second season with Amakhosi, has been instrumental in reshaping the team’s tactics during pre-season.
His absence is a setback for a squad eager to set the tone for what could be a pivotal season.
The responsibility now falls heavily on his assistants to translate his game plan onto the pitch in this crucial opening fixture.
Club Rallies Behind Their Coach
Kaizer Chiefs expressed their full support for Nabi during this difficult time, adding:
“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.”
The message has already sparked an outpouring of goodwill from fans across social media, many urging the coach to focus on his family while the team holds the fort.
All Eyes on Athlone Stadium
Despite the last-minute shake-up, the match against Stellenbosch FC will go ahead as planned, with kick-off scheduled for 17:30 on Sunday.
Supporters are eager to see how the team will handle the pressure without their head coach present and whether the tactical foundations laid in pre-season will hold strong.