Kaizer Chiefs Players Dismiss Claims They Favoured Assistant Coaches Over Nabi
Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has firmly rejected suggestions that the squad preferred playing under assistant coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze over former head coach Nasreddine Nabi.
With Nabi back in Tunisia, confirming his exit from the club, speculation has swirled about tensions behind the scenes at Naturena. The club, however, has remained tight-lipped on the details surrounding the departure.
A Strong Start Despite Nabi’s Absence
Chiefs began the season on an impressive note, winning their opening three Betway Premiership fixtures, even while Nabi was away attending to a family emergency after his wife was involved in a serious accident.
Petersen emphasised that the team’s focus has never wavered, regardless of who is in charge. “It’s not true that players enjoy football more under the assistant coaches,” he said at the Carling Black Label Knockout launch at FNB Stadium. “Our job is to respect whoever is leading the team and concentrate on our football.”
Also read: Kaizer Chiefs and Coach Nasreddine Nabi to Part Ways
Timing of Nabi’s Exit
The announcement of Nabi’s departure came just days after Chiefs suffered their first league loss of the season, a 3-1 home defeat to Sekhukhune United on 16 September.
Kaze and Ben Youssef, who previously stepped in during Nabi’s suspension last season, have now taken the reins. Their first match in charge this season saw Chiefs fall 1-0 to Kabuscorp of Angola in the CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round, first-leg tie.
Kaizer Chiefs’ Upcoming Matches Provide a Chance to Bounce Back
Chiefs will aim to rebound when they face Marumo Gallants at FNB Stadium in the Premiership on Wednesday. The team will then turn their attention to the return leg against Kabuscorp in the continental competition.
Defensive consistency remains a priority for Amakhosi, who kept clean sheets in each of their first five league matches. Petersen believes the squad can quickly regain its early-season form.
Also read: Kaizer Chiefs Confirm Coach Nabi Not with the Team
Speaking on the recent setbacks, Petersen called for focus and measured responses from the team. “There’s no need to panic or doubt ourselves. We know what we are capable of,” he said. “It’s about analysing what went wrong and using the next game as an opportunity to get things right.”
Team Spirit Remains Strong
Despite the managerial changes, Chiefs players appear united and professional. Petersen’s statements underline that the squad remains committed to performing on the pitch, putting speculation about coaching preferences aside.
As Chiefs prepare for a busy week of fixtures, supporters will be eager to see whether the team can recapture the dominance that marked their early-season run. The combination of experienced assistants and a talented playing squad will be crucial as Amakhosi aim to maintain their competitiveness both locally and continentally.
