Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly decided on the future of coach Nasreddine Nabi no matter what happens in the Nedbank Cup final.
Chiefs take on bitter rivals Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday May 11 with a chance to end their 10-year trophy drought.
Winning the trophy would also ease some pain on their fans after an underwhelming season that has seen the Glamour Boys post inconsistent results in the league, managing just eight wins in 26 matches, while losing 12, the joint worst for the club in the PSL era.
That has left them in ninth position in the league with the optimism that greeted the arrival of coach Nabi now gone.
Does Nabi have a future at Chiefs?
It leaves the veteran tactician on the spot and under pressure with doubts over whether he is the right man for the job beyond this season but it seems the pressure is just from outside.
“I don't think we can say Nabi is feeling the heat but obviously the pressure is there,” a source told Soccer Laduma regarding the future of Nabi at Chiefs.
“You know he came highly recommended and the results have not really been good and that's what puts pressure on him. But we can't say he is feeling the heat, because management is supporting him. I think that's what helps the whole situation at the moment. It's tough for him but he has the right support,” added the source, indicating that Nabi is here to stay.
Veteran coach has club’s backing
“I think if he was feeling the heat then management would not be assuring him that he will be here next season,” another source told the outlet.
“So, it's apparently believed that management is with him in this journey and they believe that things will improve. So from the management's point of view, I can't say he is feeling the heat. Maybe from the supporters and the media but not from the club.”
The development goes in line with what Nabi has been saying that he has a long-term plan for the club, with his project just starting, even if results have not been impressive.
Nabi signed a three-year contract and he is hoping for some backing in the transfer market ahead of next season where his team will likely be competing in the CAF Confederation Cup as well as in domestic competitions.
