Nasreddine Nabi should face the sack if Kaizer Chiefs fail to lift the Nedbank Cup this weekend.
Amakhosi take on rivals Orlando Pirates in one of the most anticipated Soweto derbies in a long time. While the two teams met in cup finals regularly back in the 1970s and 80s, Saturday’s clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium will be the first final the teams will be contesting in 10 years.
A lot is at stake, and Nabi’s job as Chiefs’ boss should be riding on the result.
Nabi was brought in to improve the club after one of their worst league campaigns. In the transfer window, he was allowed to bring in the players he wanted, and much was expected for the Tunisian tactician.
However, Nabi’s first year in charge has been disastrous. In the league, they’re on track to match — or even beat — last season’s horror show. Despite the supposed strengthening during the off-season, their on-pitch performance has not improved significantly.
A lot has been made about Nabi needing better players at Chiefs, but did the players he signed before the season do anything?
Rushwin Dortley, who has been injured for a while, has been the only player who has improved the side. The rest have struggled. Fiacre Ntwari has lost his place in the team, while Ignacio Miguel’s leadership has often been called into question.
They’ve not improved and most of the players the club signed this season have not performed well.
The need to win Saturday’s Nedbank Cup final is not negotiable. It will bring a lot of joy to Chiefs fans, and give them a sense of confidence that things can get better. It will certainly ease the pressure on Nabi. Should they fail to win, the knives will be out, and the club’s vocal fans will clearly demand a change.
Chiefs have the biggest fan base in the country. Once they turn on Nabi, it will be very difficult to tune out the noise. The players will definitely be affected by that.
For a club of Kaizer Chiefs’ stature, mediocrity cannot be allowed to linger. The Nedbank Cup final is not just about silverware — it’s a chance for the club to salvage some pride and restore belief, and signal a true turning point.
If Nabi cannot rise to the occasion and deliver in the biggest match of his tenure, then it’s clear he is not the man to lead the team forward.
Chiefs need a coach who can not only handle the pressure, but also inspire consistent performances, and return the club to its rightful place at the top of the food chain of South African football.
Anything less on Saturday should mark the end of the road for him.
IOL Sport
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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