Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi responds to Pitso Mosimane’s criticism.
Nabi has clapped back at his critics, making it clear that he remains a highly sought-after coach, despite recent challenges. His defiant remarks come after Chiefs’ narrow 1-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday.
A lone goal from Lucas Ribeiro sealed Sundowns’ third consecutive win over Chiefs this season, but Nabi seemed more frustrated by the criticism from fellow coaches than the actual defeat. Despite the loss, he expressed pride in his team’s efforts but took issue with what he described as “disrespectful” comments from certain figures in South African football.
Nabi under pressure amid Chiefs’ inconsistent season Kaizer Chiefs have faced ups and downs during Nabi’s first season in charge. Currently sitting in eighth place on the league table, Chiefs have recorded seven wins, four draws, and eight losses after 19 matches. With the MTN8 missed due to a ninth-place finish last season and an early Carling Knockout Cup exit, the focus has now shifted to the Nedbank Cup, where they’ve reached the quarterfinals. However, their chances in the league appear slim, trailing Mamelodi Sundowns by 29 points and making a title challenge nearly impossible.
Mosimane adds to the pressure Pitso Mosimane, the former Bafana Bafana coach, is among those who have raised doubts about Nabi’s abilities, recently commenting that the Chiefs boss is “not really convincing.”
Nabi, however, remains unfazed by the criticism.
“The coach can be criticised; that’s how the job is,” Nabi acknowledged. “You lose four games, people have the right to criticise you.”
But he also believes that some forces are intentionally trying to derail Chiefs’ progress. He warned fans about the club’s long-standing rebuilding process, which has seen several resets in the last decade.
“But the fans of Kaizer Chiefs need to be careful,” he cautioned. “This process has been ongoing for 10 years—moving forward, then back to zero. Some people don’t want this process to succeed. The easiest way to disrupt it is to criticise the coach, get him fired, and start over again. That cycle repeats every season.”
‘I’m not here for the money’: Nabi responds to rumors Despite mounting pressure, Nabi is committed to Chiefs. He revealed that he has turned down far more lucrative offers from other top clubs.
“I’m not here for the money,” he declared. “People talk too much in the media. My salary—I don’t talk about it. But every three days, I get an offer from big clubs, offering me three times what I earn here.”
Nabi made it clear that his focus is on restoring Chiefs to their former glory.
“I have a mission here with Kaizer Chiefs, and I deeply respect it,” he stated. “I love this club. I’m strong, and I don’t lose confidence easily. I’m willing to sacrifice everything to bring Chiefs back to where they belong.”
However, Nabi admitted that criticism from fellow coaches hurts the most.
“The criticism is part of the job,” he said. “But when it comes from your colleagues—coaches who have been in your position—that’s a lack of respect. That’s what impacts me the most. But I know what I’m doing, and I will get it right.”
As Chiefs fight for a top-four finish and a chance to win silverware in the Nedbank Cup, Nabi remains steadfast in his belief that the club is on the right path—if given time. Whether the critics ease off or not, one thing is certain: Nabi is not backing down.
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