Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has responded to critics, asserting that despite the ongoing scrutiny, he remains a highly sought-after figure in African football, receiving offers from other prominent clubs.
These comments came after Chiefs’ 1-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in a Betway Premiership match at the sold-out Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday afternoon. The only goal of the match came from Lucas Ribeiro, securing Sundowns’ third consecutive victory over Chiefs this season.
However, Nabi made it clear that it wasn’t the result that upset him. Despite the loss, he expressed pride in his team’s performance, especially given the tough circumstances.
Read: Sundowns Coach Miguel Cardoso Reflects on Amakhosi Victory
What truly frustrated him was the barrage of criticism from some fellow coaches, which he felt crossed a line and was disrespectful. He stressed that while he was disappointed with the outcome, he didn’t believe the negative comments from other coaches were warranted.
This criticism has arisen amid Amakhosi’s inconsistent form during Nabi’s debut season at the helm of the troubled outfit. Currently sitting in eighth place in the league after 19 matches, Chiefs have accumulated seven wins, four draws, and eight losses.
Despite these challenges, Nabi remains resolute. With Chiefs now 29 points adrift of leaders Sundowns in the league, any realistic title hopes for this season have been extinguished.
Among those critical of Nabi is former Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane, who suggested that the Tunisian tactician has yet to convince at Chiefs.
Speaking about the criticism he’s received, Nabi acknowledged that as a coach, it’s part of the job to face scrutiny, especially after poor results. However, he argued that some of the criticism he has faced has been disrespectful and disproportionate.
In addition to addressing the criticism, Nabi also took the opportunity to clarify his commitment to the club, stating that his decision to join Kaizer Chiefs was not financially motivated.
He revealed that he had received more lucrative offers from other big clubs, but chose to remain at Chiefs because of his belief in the club’s potential and his passion for the job.
The Chiefs coach also stated that he’s not motivated by money, revealing that he has received far more lucrative offers from other big clubs.
“I don’t come here for the money.” he declared.
“I promise you. Every three day, I have (a) proposition in big club(s), with three times, three times what I receive like salary here.”
“I have a mission here with Kaizer Chiefs. I have a mission and I have big respect for the mission. I’m not here for the money.”
“I love this club. I, I am strong, I don’t lose my confidence quickly like that because my history is big.” – added the former FAR Rabat coach.
Speaking via his assistant and translator, the 59 year old concluded, “I’m going to sacrifice everything to ensure Chiefs go back to where Kaizer Chiefs belongs, and the criticism are part of the job, but sometimes when you see your colleagues, coaches criticise you, that’s a lack of respect, especially when you are in a bad situation, that’s lack of respect.
That’s what impacted me, not the rest but being criticised by your own colleagues who can be in your own shoes or who was (has) been in your own shoes that’s bad. I believe I have a strong formation and experience. I know what I’m doing; I will get it right.”
Despite the ongoing criticism and challenges, Nabi’s message was clear: he remains dedicated to the process at Kaizer Chiefs and is determined to lead the club through its rebuilding phase, despite the setbacks.
It’s a swift turnaround for Nabi and his Kaizer Chiefs outfit, who have a midweek clash with a resurgent Magesi outfit at the FNB Stadium. Kick off in Soweto is set for 19:30 on Tuesday, 04 March 2025.