The Kaizer Chiefs coaching position is a tough one to hold, and Nasreddine Nabi is quickly realizing that. But he’s not the first to face the pressure, and he won’t be the last. Could even Pep Guardiola thrive in this environment?
Kaizer Chiefs’ Unsuccessful Search for Success
Since Stuart Baxter last led Kaizer Chiefs to silverware in 2015, the club has hired and fired 11 different coaches, including Steve Komphela, Giovanni Solinas, Ernst Middendorp, and Gavin Hunt, among others. Despite these many attempts, none have managed to bring home a league title to satisfy the club’s passionate supporters.
A fan even commented that Pep Guardiola would fail at Kaizer Chiefs, pointing to the extreme difficulty of managing the club. Is this a fair assessment? Does it underscore the complexity of the job, which feels like a lose-lose situation for any coach?
Even Pep Guardiola Faces Struggles
Pep Guardiola, a manager known for success, is also facing a tough season in 2025. Manchester City, under his leadership, is currently battling to keep their Champions League hopes alive, trailing Real Madrid 3-2 in the round of 16. The Premier League title also seems out of reach, with City trailing Liverpool by 16 points. It just goes to show that even the best can struggle in certain circumstances.
A More Realistic Approach for Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs’ expectations need to be recalibrated. While the club is massive and well-supported across Africa, their last serious push for the league title was in the 2019-2020 season when they narrowly lost out by just two points. Their last major success dates back to 2015.
Selling Ditlhokwe: A Bold Move
One controversial decision is the sale of Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, a versatile and talented player who had recently regained favor under Nabi. His move to Al Ittihad in Libya for R15.9 million raises questions about the club’s transfer strategy. While the money is decent, it’s hard to see why Chiefs would let go of a player with his potential at such a crucial time.
