Nabi Downplays Trophy Win Amidst Disappointing Season

Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi acknowledges that while their Nedbank Cup victory this season ended a trophy drought, it doesn’t signify complete redemption for what has been an otherwise disappointing campaign.

Chiefs finally broke their 10-year trophy drought by defeating Orlando Pirates 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, a result many considered unexpected in coach Nabi’s first season.

This victory contrasts sharply with the club’s struggles in the league, where they currently sit ninth in the Betway Premiership standings with 30 points after 26 matches.

They face the risk of missing out on next season’s MTN8 competition if they fail to secure wins in their remaining two league fixtures.

“It has been a difficult season, but it is not done yet,” Nabi stated. “As I said in the interview at Naturena, at some point in a week, we will play better than on Saturday. But we were not winning. On the other hand, we also need to incorporate that winning mentality into our team, our players, and everyone.”

Despite the Nedbank Cup triumph, reports in the Sunday Times suggested that Nabi might be released from his two-year contract, which includes an option for Chiefs at the end of the season. However, Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr. refuted these reports in a radio interview.

“But we believe that the season is not done; we can’t say that we have redeemed ourselves,” Nabi said through a translator.

“We have to fight with every ounce of our effort in the last two games against very difficult opponents – Polokwane City and Sekhukhune United – to finish in the top eight because that is an objective of the club. We need to be fully and seriously concentrated from Monday and get the work done.”

By winning the Nedbank Cup, Kaizer Chiefs have secured a spot in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.