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Kaizer Chiefs Face Coaching Crisis as Nabi Withdraws From Stellenbosch Clash
In a dramatic turn of events just 24 hours before their 2025/26 Betway Premiership opener, Kaizer Chiefs have been dealt a significant blow with the sudden withdrawal of head coach Nasreddine Nabi from Sunday’s match against Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium.
Family Emergency Forces Nabi’s Last-Minute Withdrawal
The club confirmed in an official statement on Saturday that the Tunisian tactician had to urgently return home after his wife was involved in a serious accident in Tunisia. This unexpected development throws Chiefs’ carefully laid pre-season plans into disarray as they prepare to face last season’s surprise package Stellenbosch FC.
“We regret to inform our supporters that Coach Nasreddine Nabi will not be travelling with the team to Cape Town… A critical accident involving his wife has occurred at his home in Tunisia, prompting the coach to travel this evening to be with her and the family.”
Kaizer Chiefs Official Statement
Technical Team Steps Up Amid Crisis
With Nabi’s abrupt departure, the coaching reins will temporarily fall to his trusted assistants:
- Khalil Ben Youssef (First Assistant Coach)
- Cedric Kaze (Second Assistant Coach)
The timing couldn’t be worse for Amakhosi, who were banking on Nabi’s tactical overhaul to make a strong statement in their season opener. The 54-year-old had been instrumental in reshaping the team’s playing philosophy during their pre-season camp in the Netherlands, with fans eagerly anticipating the fruits of this labor.
Match Implications and Fan Reactions
Football analysts are already debating how Nabi’s absence might affect:
- Team selection decisions
- In-game tactical adjustments
- Player morale ahead of the crucial fixture
Social media has been flooded with messages of support for the Nabi family, with the #StayStrongNabi hashtag trending among the Amakhosi faithful. Many fans have expressed understanding of the situation while voicing confidence in the technical team’s ability to deliver results.
Looking Ahead: When Will Nabi Return?
The club statement noted that Nabi would return to South Africa “once the situation has stabilised,” but provided no specific timeline. This leaves questions about his availability for subsequent matches, including the potentially explosive Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates scheduled for later this month.
As the football community rallies around the Nabi family during this difficult time, all eyes will be on Athlone Stadium when Chiefs take the field without their head coach at 17:30 on Sunday. Will the players rise to the occasion and deliver a performance worthy of their absent mentor?
What’s your prediction for the match? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on our social media platforms.
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