NASREDDINE Nabi is a realistic coach and that’s why he’s pleaded with the Kaizer Chiefs faithful to be patient and less emotional as the team embarks on a new journey.
The new Chiefs coach has arrived at the club with high expectations, having won trophies throughout his career, including two titles with Young Africans.
So much so that it was his pedigree that forced Chiefs to break the bank and bring him on board with four of his lieutenants in a bid to bring back the glory days.
And having had a pre-season tour in Türkiye, where they also played friendlies, before returning to their base in Naturena on Tuesday, a lot is expected from Chiefs next season.
However, Amakhosi will have to give their fans a snippet of their preparations under the Tunisian tomorrow when they face Young Africans in the Toyota Cup at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Nabi knows the toughness that comes with ending a nine-year barren run, but he’s urged the Amakhosi faithful to allow the team to rebuild first.
Nabi was not only bullish – in an address to the local media for the first time at the club’s Village yesterday, but he looked the part too.
The 58-year-old commanded respect as soon as he walked into the room, before hugging and briefly chatting to his Africans’ successor, Miguel Gamondi, who was leaving.
Nabi owned the moment as he also decided to stick to French in his address, using an English translator to narrate his responses.
“Looking at the name Kaizer Chiefs and how big the name is, not only in South Africa but Africa, it’s unacceptable for the club not to have the title in nine years,” Nabi explained.
“The picture and the place where the club is supposed to be and where it’s been… is what made me want to come here and challenge myself to win the title.
“But we need a very real strategy to put the club back to where it belongs. We need to be honest with ourselves and the supporters themselves.
“We need to look at our quality without emotions. We need to look at what we have currently without being emotional.
“Once we analyse what we have accordingly and put a strategy together of how to drive the club and team, then we should get where we want to go.”
Nabi has his work cut out for him at Chiefs. While he has to be the brains behind the operation, the players and management have to buy into the vision as well.
Already, the club has released four players – Keagan Dolly, Siyethemba Sithebe, Njabulo Ngcobo and Sifiso Hlanti – after their contracts came to an end in June.
And that’s not all. Chiefs have reportedly signed goalkeeper Fiarce Ntwari, and defenders Bongani Sam and Rushwin Dortley.
Whether the release or signing of the players was decided with the coach remains unclear, but marketing director Jessica Motaung had said they want to make decisions with the coach.
Nabi understands he must ensure he gets the best out of everyone and everything around him. Hence, he’s focused on building a solid structure.
“I don’t want to make promises. I won’t just be a populist, just making the fans hear what they want. Let’s not be at that level. We need to prepare well and move from there,” he added.
“We understand that the fans are tired of promises and projects that are coming along. Every staff that comes during pre-season makes promises.
“But we cannot do that – we are here to build the team. We want to build a strong team that will fight throughout the year and be recognised in Africa and internationally.
“I am not making excuses for not having titles. However, we’ll fight in each game for those three points. We need to be given a chance.
“At this moment, we have good players at Kaizer Chiefs. We would like to have these players with other experienced players that will help us. We want to give them a perfect space and time.”