Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi stated that if the club’s board does not wish to retain him for the next season, he will honorably step aside.

Nabi, who joined Chiefs on a two-year contract during the off-season, was questioned at a press conference on Thursday regarding his prospects for remaining at the club beyond this season, ahead of the Nedbank Cup semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Stadium on Sunday.

This inquiry stems from Chiefs’ inconsistent performance under his tenure, struggling to establish a consistent winning streak and effective strategy.

They are currently on a four-match winless run, with two losses and a draw in others, and have conceded 29 league goals, the third-highest in the division.

Chiefs are also at risk of missing out on the MTN8 next season, currently sitting eighth in the Betway Premiership table with 30 points from 24 matches, a significant 28 points behind league leaders Sundowns.  

The Nedbank Cup represents Chiefs’ last opportunity to end their 10-year trophy drought. Facing Sundowns in the semi-final, a team that has defeated them three times this season, including a 4-0 loss in the Carling Knockout Cup, raises concerns about their chances.

In fact, Sundowns have won six of their seven encounters against Chiefs in all competitions.

Acknowledging the slim odds against Sundowns, Nabi emphasized that his performance should not be judged solely on this season’s results, as he is implementing a long-term process.

“I know what you want to say, I know what you want [the response],” said Nabi.  

“But I will respect you so and I will answer that. I’m not here to say I deserve, or I don’t deserve.  

“There is a board, we work with the board, they analyse the situation, they see every training session, they sit in every meeting before the game or after the game. 

“They know what we are doing. If they see that we don’t deserve to stay next season, so I will go. If they say I deserve to stay, I will stay. 

“But I’m here, I’m working, I have a contract, I have process, I have objectives, and I trust my process.  

“So, I must continue to work. I’m not here to decide whether I stay or I don’t.”

“But I think you don’t want me to stay,” Nabi added, eliciting laughter from the media before the press conference concluded.