Smiso Msomi
In a bold move that signals a shift in philosophy, Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nabi Nasreddine is determined to eliminate the 'bad habits' that have hindered the team's progress within South African football.
With the club facing a growing drought of silverware — nearly a decade without a trophy — Nasreddine’s appointment has come as a beacon of hope for supporters yearning for the days of glory that Amakhosi once basked in.
Historically, the Glamour Boys have entertained fans with panache, showcasing the incredible talents of some of the nation's finest players. Yet, as the club approaches its 10th year without major silverware, Nasreddine, who has previously enjoyed success on the African continent, will be under mounting pressure to revive the team’s fortunes sooner, rather than later.
At the core of Nasreddine's vision is a desire to refine the club’s playing style by infusing modern football principles into what he describes as the South African 'DNA'.
“I want to provide for DNA, for South African football, and mix it with the necessity of modern football,” he explained on Monday, as his side prepared for a return to action.
Despite acknowledging the beauty of South African football's historical flair, he candidly addressed its shortcomings.
“This DNA is not all positive. Maybe it’s spectacular positive, but it’s not realistic, sometimes not efficient," he expressed.
He further referenced national team coach Hugo Broos and how he shifted the culture towards a more pragmatic approach which has earned him success.
“My colleague, Broos, he’s worked very hard to change a little bit and congratulations for his work, for his passion,” Nabi explained.
“Remember, it’s not easy. Broos it’s not easy for him. The first season with Bafana Bafana, how many times was he criticised him hard? Now, I think you are very happy because of the football.”
Nabi is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead.
“If you want to change, you need to understand, you need the passion, and you need respect,” he stated, highlighting the need for realistic criticism rather than subjective opinions regarding player choices.
Nabi advocated for assessments focused on game models rather than individual performances, underscoring a collective approach to achieving results. With an emphasis on efficiency, he showcased the necessity of maintaining concentration throughout the game.
Recalling a recent fixture where Bafana's lapse in focus resulted in needing a late moment to salvage the game against Uganda, he remarked, “If you score one goal, it’s not a time to showcase (showboat); you need to maintain focus for 90 minutes.”
“This is an example, you need to be more realistic, more focusing. If you need to win four or five, you need to focus for 90 minutes 200%. It’s not you score one goal and go and now show, ‘come on, guys, it’s not like that’.”
Nasreddine's leadership signals the dawn of a new chapter for the historic club. With budding talents like Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala poised to take centre stage, he seeks to blend their flair with a more disciplined approach to the game. This new era under his stewardship promises a rigorous re-evaluation of what it means to play for Kaizer Chiefs — a club that has long been synonymous with excellence as well as ‘Kasi Flavour.’