Kaizer Chiefs legend Siyabonga Nomvethe has come out swinging in support of under-pressure head coach Nasreddine Nabi as Amakhosi gear up for the 2025/26 season — a campaign that marks their long-awaited return to continental football.
Rumors had begun swirling about Nabi’s possible exit from Naturena just days after guiding the Glamour Boys to a historic Nedbank Cup victory — their first trophy in over a decade. That win snapped a painful 10-year drought and offered a glimmer of hope to millions of loyal fans.
Still, not all was rosy. Chiefs had a forgettable domestic league season, finishing a disappointing ninth in the Betway Premiership with just 32 points from 28 games. Yet, their cup success earned them a golden ticket to the CAF Confederation Cup — a silver lining to an otherwise turbulent campaign.
Despite the whispers and online noise, Chiefs have decided to keep faith in Nabi. The Tunisian tactician, who previously impressed at Young Africans, still has a year left on his two-year contract, with an option to extend.
For Nomvethe, who wore the famous gold and black jersey with pride, the decision to back Nabi is the right one.
“Nabi deserves a fair chance, just like any other coach,” said the former striker. “You can’t expect miracles in just one season. Building something great takes time.”
He went on to praise Nabi’s early impact, saying the Nedbank Cup triumph was hopefully just the start of something bigger for the Soweto giants.
“There’s already a trophy in the cabinet,” Nomvethe added. “That’s a step in the right direction. Now let him do his job without unnecessary pressure. We all want the league, the cups — everything — but it starts somewhere.”
Looking ahead to the new season, Nomvethe emphasized the importance of reinforcing the squad with quality players, even acknowledging the financial challenges that come with it.
“I hope the club makes a move in the transfer market,” he said. “Of course, it’s not child’s play — players cost millions these days. But if Chiefs want to compete at the top, they’ll need to invest wisely.”
As the countdown to the new season begins, one thing is clear — Nomvethe is firmly in Nabi’s corner, and he believes the best is yet to come for the Glamour Boys.
