Nabi drops ‘process’ from his vocabulary as Chiefs fans await a better season

If there's one word Kaizer Chiefs fans hate to hear coming out of coach Nasreddine Nabi's mouth, it is “process”. He realises this now.

The well-travelled Tunisian, 59, last season used that word ad nauseam to shield himself from criticism and calm Amakhosi supporters who were not happy with how the club was performing under him. 

Winning the Nedbank Cup by beating Soweto arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at the death of last season saved Nabi’s job as he ended an unprecedented 10-year trophy drought.

However, that Chiefs finished ninth and outside the top eight for a second successive season for the first time in the Premier Soccer League era angered many supporters, some of whom some still called for the management to give Nabi the sack as they felt he didn't improve their situation.

Addressing the media at the 2025-26 Betway Premiership launch in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Nabi was careful not to repeat the buzzwords of his last campaign, when he urged patience for the “process” unfolding before fans could see what he was “cooking” at Naturena.

Chiefs open their league campaign with a mouthwatering clash away to Stellenbosch FC at Cape Town Stadium on Sunday. Steve Barker's hugely competitive Stellies, while finishing third for the second time in a row last season, suffered three defeats from three against Amakhosi, including twice in the league.

Nabi was asked on Tuesday how far he is now with his “process” and whether the new signings will make any difference to the team he had last campaign.

“Our main priority and target are to put Kaizer Chiefs back where it belongs,” Nabi said. “It’s true, and I have noticed that people don’t like to hear about ‘process’, but last season, though our first year, we managed to win one of the two major trophies that are played.

“This season we're going to take it game by game and try to be as consistent as we can and we'll see where we finish.”

Chiefs have signed Ethan Chislett, Nkanyiso Shinga, Flavio Silva, Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako and Siphesihle Ndlovu. They released Mduduzi Mdantsane, Edmilson Dove, Njabulo Blom, Sabelo Radebe, Ranga Chivaviro, Tebogo Potsane and Bongani Sam.

Portuguese striker Silva promises to aid Chiefs in finding the goals in the coming season. However, it was Etiosa Ighodaro, the 24-year-old Mamelodi Sundowns striker who has been on loan to AmaZulu FC and SuperSport United in recent seasons, who Nabi was quizzed over, and whether Amakhosi have concluded any deal to sign the Nigerian.   

“That player belongs to another team [Sundowns] with administrative issues,” said Nabi of the burly forward. “We'll wait to hear from our administration if he or another player are going to join us. I saw the player last season playing for AmaZulu and I believe he's a good player but he's a player who doesn't right now belong to our club. We can't really talk about it.”

Chiefs showed some glimpses of improvement in a number of preseason training matches they played, though they still lacked the finishing touch with the likes of Silva, Mduduzi Tshabalala, Glody Lilepo, Ashley du Preez, Wandile Duba and Tashreeq Morris yet to produce any signs they'll be firing on all cylinders in the coming season.     

“The only thing I can say is we're ready and we're just regretting the absence of Pule Mmodi for the first game because of suspension,” Nabi said of the player who won them a penalty in their last preparation friendly against Ghana's Asante Kotoko, which Chiefs lost on penalties in Durban two weeks ago.

One area where there's been marked improvement for Amakhosi is on the left and right sides of the defence. Shinga and Monyane respectively showed in the friendly game they'll be key to Nabi's plans.

The only thing I can say is we're very ready and we're just regretting the absence of Pule Mmodi for the first game because of suspension

—  Nasreddine Nabi

In midfield Chiefs might have struck gold signing former Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United player Ndlovu, who should boost a department comprising mostly KwaZulu-Natal-born players in Thabo Cele, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Sibongiseni Mthethwa.

It is in the striking and goalkeeping department, however, that Amakhosi will start the season with everyone guessing who is likely to be a regular. Nabi has shown a lot of confidence in gloveman Brandon Petersen, who was in goal when Chiefs beat Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final in Durban last season. Petersen featured in only five matches last season as Nabi showed trust in Bruce Bvuma, who is now out of favour as his form dropped towards end of last season. 

But that striker Duba and winger Lilepo top-scored with only five league goals each last season will be the biggest concern to Nabi. That's why he has not given up hope of the club signing Etiosa Ighodaro, though he too only scored five goals in 24 league matches for AmaZulu. 

It remains to be seen if Nabi's team will show real improvement in the coming season, but the first five league games, which include a clash against champions Sundowns at Lucas Moripe Stadium on August 27, will reveal if the coach's dish is anywhere near chef standard. 

For now, Chiefs fans should be happy “process” seems to have left their coach's lexicon.