Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi believes that lifting the Nedbank Cup could be a turning point in his tenure at Naturena, helping to ease pressure and restore belief in his leadership beyond the current season.
Amakhosi edged out fierce rivals Orlando Pirates 2-1 in a thrilling final at Moses Mabhida Stadium, ending a painful 10-year trophy drought and sparking celebrations across the Chiefs faithful.
Chiefs took the lead through Gaston Sirino’s penalty, only for Pirates to hit back minutes later with a clinical finish from Evidence Makgopa. But it was Yusuf Maart who delivered the decisive blow late in the game, sealing a dramatic and emotional victory for the Glamour Boys.
“My first objective is to restore Kaizer Chiefs to its rightful place,” said Nabi. “I’m happy for this trophy because it will help me continue my process, and it will give our fans more confidence in this project.”
Despite the silverware, doubts still linger over Nabi’s future, particularly with Chiefs at risk of finishing outside the top eight in the DStv Premiership. However, the Tunisian tactician remains hopeful that this cup win can serve as a springboard for long-term success.
Nabi, speaking through a translator, pointed to the example of Orlando Pirates under Jose Riveiro, who has guided the Buccaneers to five trophies in just three seasons.
“Orlando Pirates understood the importance of building a team. If you compare how they played today to last season, you’ll see they’ve evolved completely,” Nabi said. “Sometimes, success doesn’t come immediately. You have to give time to rebuild—even if it means suffering for a while—to come back stronger.”
While the match may not go down as a classic in terms of spectacle, Nabi acknowledged its intensity and tactical nature. He also praised the impact of his second-half substitutions—Sibongiseni Mthetwa, Ashley du Preez, and Mduduzi Shabalala—which he credited for swinging the momentum.
“We started the second half well, but the changes we made brought more energy and balance,” Nabi noted. “It helped us regain control and push for the win.”
Reflecting on the decade-long wait for silverware, the coach said the hunger was evident from both players and supporters.
“It’s been a tough ten years. You could feel how badly everyone wanted this,” concluded a visibly satisfied Nabi.
