Nabi: Sack rumors are untrue

Nabi, the head coach of Kaizer Chiefs, has denied rumors that he will be fired at the end of the season, even though the team won the Nedbank Cup earlier this month.

Following his arrival to Naturena in July 2024, the Tunisian has had a challenging first season, although winning over many Amakhosi supporters on May 10 after defeating bitter rivals Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final.

Nabi’s future has been questioned following a recent run of subpar Betway Premiership results, but the Glamour Boys’ 10-year trophy drought was broken with a 2-1 victory over the Buccaneers at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The 59-year-old’s fate was reportedly predetermined by the Chiefs hierarchy prior to the match against the Pirates in Ke Yona; win or lose, the result would be the same. This information surfaced last week.

Nabi, however, maintained following Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Sekhukhune United that the rumors were untrue and that they had generated uncertainty around the continent.

He remarked, “I respect all journalists, but this news hurts me because it confused my team. It is not professional, and the information is incorrect.”

“I am being called by people all over Africa who believe that I am a free agent because I have finished with Kaizer Chiefs, but that is incorrect.”

The Soweto giants need to defeat Polokwane City handily in their season finale on May 24 in order to have a chance of finishing in the top eight, as their draw with Babina Noko did little to help their position in the race for MTN 8 football.

AmaZulu (6th), Rise And Shine (7th), Chippa United (8th), Chiefs (9th), Marumo Gallants (10th), Richards Bay (11th), and Magesi (12th) are all within five points of each other, and all but the Chilli Boys have one game left to play to earn a spot in the Wafa Wafa competition.

Nabi, however, has asked the club’s supporters to turn out in large numbers to support their team at the FNB Stadium because he is sure Amakhosi can achieve the intended outcome against Polokwane.

According to the table, this point puts us in a position where the final minute of the game will decide the outcome. However, we are confident since we are playing our final game in front of our fans at home,” he continued.

“We would like to send a message to all of our supporters to come in their numbers and together we will do it, because everyone knows how important it is.”