Nasreddine Nabi: Why Kaizer Chiefs Parted Ways With Nedbank Cup-Winning Coach

Nasreddine Nabi was on Friday night finally confirmed to have parted ways with Kaizer Chiefs, ending days of speculation over his future with the Soweto giants. 

The announcement came after nearly two weeks of uncertainty, during which the Tunisian tactician was noticeably absent from training sessions and official club duties.

The club confirmed that both parties had agreed to an amicable separation, describing the decision as “mutual” and “respectful.” 

However, questions lingered among supporters and pundits about why it took so long for either side to confirm what many had already suspected — that Nabi’s tenure at Naturena had come to an end.

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In a heartfelt farewell message shared on Instagram, Nabi explained that the delay was not due to conflict, but rather because he wanted the separation to be handled “with dignity and mutual respect.”

The Tunisian gaffer  said the discussions were constructive, aimed at ensuring a professional conclusion to his brief but eventful stint at Chiefs.

“As Salam Aleykum To my players: I could not say goodbye and hug you as I would have wished, but know that I am proud of you and grateful for all the efforts you made during my time at the club,” Nabi said on Instagram.

According to sources close to the club, both Nabi and Kaizer Chiefs management took several days to finalise the legal and logistical aspects of their parting, including staff contracts and settlement terms. 

The Nedbank Cup-winning coach reportedly requested time to personally thank the technical team, staff, and players before any public statement was made.

The Tunisian mentor, who joined Chiefs amid high expectations earlier in the year, said he wanted to ensure his message reflected gratitude and appreciation rather than disappointment. He acknowledged the challenges of his tenure but insisted that he leaves with “intact pride” and belief in the team’s potential.

“To the young players: you are the jewels of this club. Believe in yourselves, work hard, and learn from every moment. I ask you to dream big regarding your personal careers and to have great ambitions equal to your talent,” he added.

During his short spell at the helm, Nabi guided the Glamour Boys to a long-awaited trophy, delivering the Nedbank Cup — Chiefs’ first major silverware in nearly a decade. His emphasis on discipline, tactical structure, and youth development earned him respect among players and fans alike.

Nabi’s message also made it clear that his departure was not rooted in discord but rather in differing visions for the next phase of the club’s project. He expressed deep appreciation to Chairman Dr. Kaizer Motaung and his staff for their trust and support, calling Chiefs “an institution I will remain proud of for life.”

“Thank you to the Chairman, Dr. Motaung, for giving me the opportunity to wear these colours and supporting me. It is indeed an institution that you have built, and I will remain proud for life to have worn the gold and black colors,” he said.

Nabi also took time to acknowledge his technical staff, analysts, and the club legends who made his stay memorable, including Doctor Khumalo, Siphiwe Tshabalala, and Arthur Zwane. 

The former Yanga FC gaffer concluded his message by reaffirming his pride in having ended the club’s trophy drought and being part of South African football history.

“I leave with intact pride of having worn these gold and black colours, of having ended the drought, and of having been part of the greatest club in South Africa,” Nabi said.

Amakhosi now begins the search for a new head coach and they have wished Nabi success in his future endeavours, while supporters continue to pay tribute to a man who, even in a short spell, restored belief to the Amakhosi faithful.