Nasreddine Nabi: Why outgoing Kaizer Chiefs coach is in Tanzania

Outgoing Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi sparked excitement among fans in Tanzania following his visit to the country last week.

Nabi, who is fondly remembered in the country for his successful two-year stint with Yanga between 2021 and 2023, made a visit to the East African nation at a time when giants Simba were still without a coach while his ex-club are reportedly unhappy with current boss Romain Folz.

That led to speculation that the 60-year-old could have been in the country for talks over a possible return to the dugout but Simba have since appointed a new coach while ex-AmaZulu and Mamelodi Sundowns coach Folz remains at Yanga.

Nabi denied any links to Yanga and Simba

“I have seen people say I came here for Simba, others say Yanga, no! I am here on my own journey. I think this is the third time I have come here,” Nabi said when he arrived in Dar es Salaam.

“Tanzania is my home, and that is why I love coming here. Since I arrived, I have not met any Simba leader, or even a Yanga leader. I am here for my own visit, nothing much.”

Still, some did not believe him and thought he was only saying that to avoid further questions and speculation, but it has emerged that he was indeed in Tanzania on private business.

According to Soccer Laduma, Nabi has a charitable course in Tanzania where he is building a school as a way of giving back to society and was in the country to oversee its progress.

Why was outgoing Chiefs coach in Tanzania?

“He’s building a school in a village in Tanzania,” a source told the outlet over the project which is in Kimbiji, an administrative ward in the Kigamboni district of the capital Dar es Salaam.

“He went there on Wednesday night to oversee the project because the guys are almost done with the building. He also had other things to sort out with the team managing the project.

“He decided to go there, while waiting for the Kaizer Chiefs situation to be resolved, and spent a couple of days in Tanzania. So, that is the personal stuff he was talking about when he said he’s not in Tanzania for any football discussions but personal stuff.”

Nabi has not officially parted ways with Chiefs and it remains to be seen what he will do next although some reports say he left the Glamour Boys to be with his ailing wife, who was involved in an accident in August.