The Long Road Ahead for Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has provided a frank and realistic assessment of the club’s current state, admitting that they are still far from where they want to be. While the Glamour Boys have made some strides under his leadership, Nabi insists that the journey to restoring Chiefs to their former glory is still a long one.
In a recent interview, the Tunisian tactician shared his thoughts on the club’s progress, challenges, and long-term ambitions, making it clear that while positive steps have been taken, much more work lies ahead.
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Not Even Halfway There: A Candid Assessment
For many Chiefs fans, the arrival of Nasreddine Nabi was seen as a turning point—a fresh start for a club that has struggled in recent years to match its historic dominance. However, despite signs of improvement, Nabi is cautious about overstating their progress.
“I would say that we still have a lot of work to do, a long road to go,” said Nabi. “And it’s not about false modesty, but I don’t believe we are even half of the team that we dream of for Kaizer Chiefs.”
These words are a stark reminder that rebuilding a club as big as Kaizer Chiefs is not an overnight task. While some may have expected immediate success, Nabi’s comments emphasize the need for patience, strategic planning, and disciplined execution.
A Team in Transition: Building the Right Identity
Nabi acknowledges that Chiefs have begun to develop a clear identity under his management, but stresses that a true transformation takes time.
“But the biggest certainty is that we are headed in the right direction,” he continued. “The players understand what they need to do, and we feel that they are coming together. Honestly, the process continues.”
This highlights the importance of building a cohesive unit, where players fully grasp their roles and execute them effectively. Chiefs have undergone several squad changes in recent seasons, with new faces constantly coming in while others leave. As a result, finding consistency and stability has been a major challenge.
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Tactical Discipline and Player Adaptation
One of the key areas of focus for Nabi has been ensuring that players buy into his tactical philosophy. Unlike some of his predecessors, who struggled to implement a clear style of play, Nabi appears to be laying down a structured and disciplined system.
However, getting the players to fully adapt and execute his vision on the pitch requires time and commitment. “Step by step, step by step, we are going to come back,” Nabi stated firmly.
This approach suggests that rather than rushing to achieve short-term success, Chiefs are prioritizing a long-term rebuild, focusing on incremental improvements rather than drastic changes that could unsettle the squad.
The Weight of Expectations: No Shortcuts to Success
Kaizer Chiefs is a club with one of the largest and most passionate fan bases in South African football. With such immense support comes huge expectations, and many fans are desperate to see their team lift silverware again.
However, Nabi refuses to be pressured into making reckless decisions or setting unrealistic goals.
“We go step by step, no pressure. We work seriously, and I promise you, Kaizer Chiefs will come back,” he reassured supporters. “Now, we haven’t come back yet. But we will come back. Step by step.”
This repeated emphasis on “step by step” reflects his belief that the only way to build lasting success is through careful and deliberate progress. While fans may be eager for instant results, Nabi understands that quick fixes rarely lead to sustainable success.
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Learning from Past Mistakes
One of the reasons Nabi is cautious about making bold claims is because Chiefs have made several missteps in recent years. From inconsistent managerial appointments to signing players who failed to make an impact, the club has struggled to find a clear direction.
Nabi’s approach suggests that he has learned from these mistakes and is determined to avoid the pitfalls of past rebuilds. Instead of rushing to sign big-name players or overhauling the squad too quickly, he wants to build a team with the right balance, chemistry, and discipline.
Squad Development: Where Chiefs Need to Improve
For Chiefs to truly become a dominant force again, certain areas of the squad need urgent attention. While progress has been made, Nabi admits that the team is still a work in progress.
1. Defensive Stability
One of the biggest challenges Chiefs have faced in recent seasons is defensive inconsistency. Conceding soft goals has been a persistent issue, and Nabi knows that a solid defense is the foundation of any successful team.
To address this, he has been working on:
- Defensive organization and positioning
- Building a stronger central defensive partnership
- Improving the team’s ability to handle set-pieces
2. Midfield Control
In modern football, the midfield is crucial, and Chiefs have often struggled to control games effectively. Nabi is focused on finding the right balance between creativity and defensive discipline in the middle of the park.
He is particularly keen on developing a midfield unit that can dictate play, break up opposition attacks, and create chances for the forward players.
3. Attacking Efficiency
While Chiefs have shown glimpses of attacking brilliance, their lack of clinical finishing has cost them valuable points. Nabi is aware that goal-scoring needs to improve if they are to challenge for trophies.
His focus in attack has been on:
- Developing better movement in the final third
- Encouraging more aggressive attacking play
- Improving finishing and decision-making in front of goal
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Kaizer Chiefs?
As Chiefs continue their journey under Nabi, the key question remains: How long will it take for them to truly “come back”?
Short-Term Goals
While long-term success is the ultimate objective, Nabi and his team must still focus on improving results in the current season. This includes:
- Competing for a top-four finish in the PSL
- Challenging for cup competitions
- Establishing a clear style of play
Long-Term Vision
Looking ahead, Nabi envisions a completely transformed Kaizer Chiefs—one that plays with confidence, dominates opponents, and regularly competes for trophies.
However, achieving this vision requires:
- Patience from fans and management
- Smart recruitment strategies
- Strong player development programs
- A well-structured tactical approach
Conclusion: A Work in Progress, But the Future Looks Bright
Nasreddine Nabi’s comments paint a realistic yet hopeful picture of Kaizer Chiefs’ journey. While acknowledging that they are still far from where they want to be, he remains confident that with hard work, patience, and the right approach, Chiefs will eventually return to the top.
For now, fans must accept that rebuilding a great team takes time, and that quick fixes will not bring lasting success.
Kaizer Chiefs may not be back yet—but under Nabi’s leadership, they are certainly on the right path. Step by step, the Glamour Boys are working their way back to the summit of South African football.
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