Bafana Bafana legend Lucas Radebe says Nasreddine Nabi, who is being tipped to be Kaizer Chiefs’ new head coach, would be a solid addition in the club’s search for a return to its glory days.
But he stressed that management would need to support him in recruiting top players.
According to unconfirmed reports, Tunisian Nabi has agreed to take on the role of Chiefs’ new mentor.
The Glamour Boys urgently require adjustments to their technical team after a disappointing 2023/24 Premier Soccer League season which resulted in a 10th-place finish.
After their lowest PSL-era placement, top management is under pressure to make significant changes.
Several coaches have unsuccessfully attempted to revive the dormant powerhouse of South African soccer in recent years.
Radebe said Nabi was the right man for the job because of his pedigree.
The 58-year-old has a Uefa Pro licence and is known for consistently winning, which will encourage Chiefs fans who have not celebrated silverware in almost a decade.
His resumé is comparable with those of the top coaches on the continent.
He started coaching in 2004 and won the CAF Confederations Cup in 2012 with Congolese outfit AC Leopards.
More recently, he claimed six titles in two years while with Young Africans in Tanzania.
“If he is the coach for Kaizer Chiefs next season, it shows the intent from the club that they are serious in bringing back the glory days which have somewhat gone away in Naturena,” Radebe told TimesLIVE Premium on Tuesday at the launch of the second edition of the Betway 12th man programme in Melrose.
“Coaches like Nabi, I hear he is bringing his technical staff. It is a huge responsibility for the club to get where it belongs, which is at the top.
“They need big and high-quality players to compete, locally first with Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, then possibly get back to the Champions League.
“Overall Nabi is a good acquisition. If you want to be good you have to bring in good players.
Most of the players who have been brought to the club, you think they will do well. We have heard from the coaches, telling us some players are good in training but when it comes to the game it is different. We have seen potential players, but we need balance if they are to have the instant success they want from coaches locally.
— Lucas Radebe
“If you look at Kaizer Chiefs’ glory days, they had good players and that is what you need to bring the brand to where it belongs.
“Why are Sundowns winning everything and other teams are successful? It is because of the quality they bring in.
“Most of the players who have been brought to the club, you think they will do well.
“We have heard from the coaches, telling us some players are good in training, but when it comes to the game it is different.
“We have seen potential players, but we need balance if they are to have the instant success they want from coaches locally.
“And we don’t have experienced players like Siphiwe Tshabalala and Reneilwe Letsholonyane.
“The club tends to rely on young players, which is hard because you put too much pressure on them.”
Radebe, who made 113 appearances for Amakhosi, urged the fan base to be patient with the new coach and his technical staff which reports suggest will include Frenchman Fernando Da Cruz.
Often in the past, Chiefs fans have voiced their frustrations and taken them out on coaches when results are subpar.
“The thing with fans, it is difficult especially if the coach doesn’t know the background and the philosophy of this country, but having to back such a coach who will bring back the belief will get the club on the right track.
“Having fans who are demanding is hard,” Radebe said.
“You have to be performing week in and out at your best and getting positive results.
“With somebody like Nabi at the helm, I believe going forward with good players with a better structure will improve the team.”
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