Nabi’s new-look Kaizer Chiefs face stern Stellenbosch test in season opener
Premier Soccer League
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi faces a tough start to life in the Betway Premiership as his side travel to face a confident Stellenbosch FC. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Kaizer Chiefs embark on a challenging new season in the Betway Premiership this Sunday when they travel to Cape Town to face a determined Stellenbosch FC under the guidance of coach Steve Barker.
The match marks not only the beginning of the league campaign for Chiefs but also a significant test for head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who has pledged that his team will compete fiercely in all competitions this year.
Chiefs enjoyed a break last weekend while the MTN8 quarter-finals were in progress. This hiatus has given them time to prepare, but it could also mean they lack match sharpness as they head into the opener against Stellenbosch, who come into the clash fresh off a 3-2 extra-time victory over AmaZulu in Cape Town.
In a bid to remedy last season's disappointing performance, Chiefs have made several signings during the off-season and underwent a rigorous pre-season camp in the Netherlands. However, the results of their preparations have been underwhelming, with the team losing six of their pre-season matches, culminating in a narrow penalty defeat to Ghana's Asante Kotoko in the Toyota Cup in Durban.
Nabi, reflecting on his strategy for the season, told reporters: “How we’re approaching the season with the league, the Nedbank Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup is to take it game by game and do everything we can in every game to win.”
His determination to compete in every match is clear, though he acknowledges the uncertainty that comes with football: “Maybe it’s not gonna be possible to win all the games, maybe it’s gonna be possible, but we are going to challenge for every game in whatever capabilities we will be in,” he added.
Despite their struggles in pre-season, Nabi remains optimistic. Chiefs have secured the talents of six new players, but integrating these signings into a cohesive starting eleven remains a work in progress.
With broader ambitions across the CAF Confederation Cup, the Carling Knockout, and the Nedbank Cup, pressure is mounting on Nabi to deliver early results and avoid repeating the missteps of last season. A continued lack of progress could prompt the club’s management to reconsider their commitment to his tenure.