Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi made it clear that settling for just the Nedbank Cup isn’t enough. After a frustrating 0-0 draw that confirmed Amakhosi’s failure to finish in the Betway Premiership top eight, the passionate coach gave an honest and bold assessment of where the club currently stands.
“I’m not a small coach, I’m not happy just winning the Nedbank Cup. I’m coaching a big team,” Nabi declared confidently, as reported by iDiski Times.
“For a club like Chiefs, winning and competing for the Nedbank title should be the norm, you understand?”
Trophy won, but challenges remain
While the Nedbank Cup victory ended a decade-long trophy drought, the bigger picture is less encouraging. A nine-game winless run and a ninth-place finish—only slightly better than last season’s record low—have revealed deeper problems within the team.
“We came here to build a team, and building takes time. You can’t expect instant results,” Nabi explained at FNB Stadium.
“After winning the Nedbank, I said I was happy but reminded everyone this is a process. I’m honest like that.”
The Tunisian coach emphasized that creating a competitive and well-organized team is a journey, though he sees progress in how the team is generating scoring opportunities.
“If you look objectively, we are second-best in chances created. But why aren’t we scoring? Like today and throughout the season, we had three or four chances and even hit the post. That’s been our problem.”
Aiming for more than just one trophy
Nabi isn’t satisfied with a single cup win. For a club of Kaizer Chiefs’ stature, competing for multiple trophies every season is the goal.
“My objective is clear—every season, Chiefs must be fighting for the title. I’m honest, I don’t need to defend myself. I know my quality and have strong confidence.”
He challenged the idea that the Nedbank Cup alone defines success.
“We’re working on building cohesion. You can’t say, ‘We won, so we’re happy,’ and if we lose, ‘It’s a process.’ Win or lose, it’s always a process.”
Quality over quantity in Chiefs’ rebuild
Nabi hinted that improving the squad’s quality will be crucial for Chiefs to return to the top half of the league.
“It’s about quality. We need key quality players to stay competitive. I don’t agree with the sentiment that ‘after 10 years, we’re happy with just that.’”
With clear goals, high standards, and zero tolerance for mediocrity, Nabi is setting the stage for what could be a season of transformation—if the club fully supports his vision.
