Nabi Leaves Amakhosi: A Heartfelt Farewell from Chiefs' Former Coach

Former Kaizer Chiefs Coach Nasreddine Nabi Expresses Gratitude in Farewell Statement

Nasreddine Nabi, the former head coach of Kaizer Chiefs, has publicly addressed his departure from the club for the first time, filled with gratitude and reflection on his tenure that ended a long trophy drought.

Nabi, who took the helm at Chiefs in the off-season of 2024, achieved a significant milestone by leading the team to their first prize in ten years with a Nedbank Cup victory last season.

The club announced his departure on Friday via an official statement.

In an emotional message shared on his Instagram, Nabi extended his thanks to the players, management, and supporters for their unwavering support throughout his time at the club.

“As Salam Aleykum to my players: I could not say goodbye and hug you as I would have wished, but know that I am proud of you and grateful for all the efforts you made during my time at the club,” Nabi remarked.

He also offered encouragement to the young players, stating, “To the young players: you are the jewels of this club. Believe in yourselves, work hard, and learn from every moment. I ask you to dream big regarding your personal careers and to have great ambitions equal to your talent.”

Nabi expressed his appreciation to Dr. Kaizer Motaung, the club's chairman, for the opportunity to coach the team and wearing the team's iconic gold and black colors.

“Thank you to the Chairman, Dr. [Kaizer] Motaung, for allowing me to wear these colours and supporting me. It is indeed an institution that you have built, and I will remain proud for life to have worn the gold and black colours,” he added.

His gratitude extended to the supporters, who he called the backbone of the club: “To the true supporters: thank you for your loyalty and your faith in this project. Your support was the most important one; you are the true strength of the club. I promised you a very competitive team locally and continental, you are now very close to achieving it.”

Nabi also thanked his technical staff, including Safi Majdi and Elyes Mzoughi, and acknowledged the contributions of the analysts, doctors, physiotherapists, and all administrative staff.

Interestingly, he chose not to mention his assistant coaches, Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, who will now assume co-coaching responsibilities for the remainder of the season.

“Thank you to Safi Majdi and Elyes Mzoughi for the work, your drive, your passion, your loyalty, and your support. It was a pleasure to work with you,” he conveyed.

Nabi concluded by expressing pride in his achievements with the club, especially in ending the long-standing trophy drought.

“I leave with intact pride of having worn these gold and black colours, of having ended the drought, and of having been part of the greatest club in South Africa. Shapa Khosi Shapaa,” he stated.

Nabi's departure follows a series of events at the club, including a temporary leave for a family emergency and a suspension following a defeat to Sekhukhune United. The decision has been confirmed, with Kaze and Ben Youssef taking over coaching duties as the team navigates forward.