Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has admitted to the club’s ongoing difficulties but insists the historic Soweto side is far from finished, urging belief in the team’s capacity to rebound.
Since taking charge in the offseason, the Tunisian tactician has yet to engineer a turnaround in fortunes for the Amakhosi, who currently find themselves languishing in ninth place in the Betway Premiership with just 30 points from 25 matches.
With three fixtures remaining, Chiefs face a stern test of resolve as they prepare for the 182nd Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates this Saturday at FNB Stadium.
The team enters the high-stakes encounter in poor form, having failed to register a league victory since March 4, when they narrowly defeated Magesi FC.
Since then, their run of results has been dismal, consisting of three draws and three defeats.
Most recently, Chiefs suffered a 1-0 loss to Marumo Gallants — a result marking Gallants’ first-ever league win over the Soweto club.
Despite the mounting pressure, Nabi remains undeterred and confident in the legacy and resilience of Kaizer Chiefs.
“The biggest clubs get sick, but they never die,” he said. “We believe we are the biggest club in South Africa. We may be sick right now, but we are still alive, and we can still achieve things.”
The Chiefs’ recent struggles have included a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates in the first leg of the season’s league derby, played at the same FNB Stadium back in February.
That match was settled by a composed Panenka penalty from Patrick Maswanganyi, which handed the Buccaneers a vital victory.
Saturday’s derby clash is not the final chapter in the fierce rivalry this season.
Soweto Derby Park & Ride
Clearwater Mall, Montecasino and Sandton City.
Park your car and take a shuttle directly to the FNB Stadium. Enjoy a secure and convenient parking experience before heading to the match. Your ticket covers parking and the return shuttle.
Express… pic.twitter.com/dD9hjFkkkb
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) May 1, 2025
The two giants of South African football are set to meet once again in the Nedbank Cup final the following weekend, with the match scheduled to take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Both derbies are expected to draw capacity crowds, with the stakes particularly high given the clubs’ contrasting fortunes and shared hunger for silverware.
While expectations remain high from the Chiefs’ faithful, the team’s underwhelming league campaign has cast a shadow over Nabi’s debut season.
However, the upcoming fixtures provide an opportunity not only for redemption but also to restore pride in the club’s colours — and, perhaps, to spark the kind of revival that Nabi insists is still possible.
