In bombshell news on Wednesday afternoon Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly sacked their Tunisian head coach Nasreddine Nabi.
The revelation is sure to send shockwaves through the local football community, just six matches into the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season.
At the time of publishing, neither the club nor Nabi have confirmed the news, nor provided an explanation – if true.
Missed the start of the season
Some reports suggest that Nabi, who is in his second season with the Glamour Boys, may have left the club due to a recent accident involving his wife which saw him miss the start of the season after being granted compassionate leave to return to Tunisia.
Meanwhile, award-winning journalist Mazola Molefe suggested Kaizer Chiefs had sacked Nabi related to a possible breach in contract.
Molefe stated that Nabi may not possess a “valid license to sit on the bench for CAF Confederation Cup fixtures” – a tournament that Kaizer Chiefs are set to return to this weekend.
“It’s understood the issue are around his CAF qualifications, meaning he would not be able to sit on the bench for any of their interclub competition fixtures this season – especially if they progress further,” a report on the SABC website stated.
In total, Nasreddine Nabi took charge of 35 matches at Kaizer Chiefs. His record stands at 12 victories, nine draws and 14 defeats, for a win percentage of just 34%.
Kaizer Chiefs will next be in action in their CAF Confederation Cup first leg first round preliminary qualifier against Angolan side Kabuscorp S.C.P on Saturday, 20 September.
First assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef and second assistant coach Cedric Kaze are expected to lead the team until a new, full-time appointment is made.
Hot topic
Who that appointment may be has quickly become a topic of hot conversation.
Former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro, who left the Buccaneers at the end of last season, only to be fired by new Egyptian club Al Ahly, has been linked with a return to South Africa – and Amakhosi.
However, should Kaizer Chiefs’ management not perhaps relook at a former coach of theirs, Gavin Hunt?
Hunt was in charge at Naturena for 44 matches in all competitions between mid-October 2010 and late May 2021.
While things didn’t go well during his stint for the now 61-year-old, he remains one of South Africa’s premier coaches.
Hunt has enjoyed spells at the helm of a number f clubs, namely Seven Stars, Hellenic, Black Leopards, Moroka Swallows, SuperSport United, Bidvest Wits, Kaizer Chiefs, and Chippa United.
His accolades include:
- Three consecutive PSL championships with SuperSport United (2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10)
- A PSL title with Bidvest Wits in 2016/17, plus numerous other domestic cup wins.
Earlier this year, Hunt hit a milestone – managing 1 000 matches in South African top‑flight football.
In July 2025, Hunt was appointed head coach of newly-promoted Durban City FC.
He’s quickly worked his magic with the KwaZulu-Natal-based side who currently lie an impressive fourth in the Betway Premiership log with 11 points (3 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss).
Hunt was at one point good enough to be appointed as Kaizer Chiefs coach. Is it time for a second tenure in charge of the Glamour Boys for Hunt?
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Kaizer Chiefs fans: Would you like to see Gavin Hunt back in charge at Naturena?
Let us know by commenting below this article …
