Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has turned down an offer from Raja Athletic Club, a North African football powerhouse and current reigning Moroccan champions. The three-time CAF Champions League winners are seeking a new head coach after a poor start to the season.
Ricardo Sa Pinto is expected to leave Raja after a measly two wins across 11 matches. This would be the second coaching departure since Josef Zinnbauer left after the 2023/24 season. Following Zinnbauer’s exit, Rusmir Cviko was briefly appointed after a failed attempt to secure Sead Ramovic, but Cviko’s tenure lasted only eight games.
Raja’s struggles have continued under Sa Pinto, with just two wins, six draws, and three losses in his 11 games. This leaves them seventh in the Botola standings, ten points behind league leaders RS Berkane after 13 matches. Their CAF Champions League campaign has also been disappointing, with only one draw (against Maniema Union) in three group stage matches, placing them at the bottom of Group B.
Raja reportedly contacted Nabi’s representatives earlier this week, inquiring about his availability. However, they were informed that Nabi is fully committed to Kaizer Chiefs and is considered a key part of their plans.
Kaizer Chiefs currently sit ninth in the Betway Premiership after nine games, with three wins, three draws, and three losses. Despite this mixed start, Nabi recently expressed confidence in the team’s direction, stating, “I have confidence in my players, and I have confidence in the future. We are in the right direction, we are clear, and myself and my technical team are confident.
“Kaizer Chiefs are in the right direction. I am 100 per cent sure that we are in the right direction. Don’t worry, we need to support players, we need to help them.
“I know it’s not easy, this is football, and the only problem is scoring, but I observe the problem of my team, and we will get it right.”