Ben Youssef reveals Nabi’s decision behind sudden Kaizer Chiefs departure

Former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef says Nasreddine Nabi’s abrupt departure from the club in October 2025 was the result of a misunderstanding between the head coach and the board.

Nabi left Naturena after only six league matches of the 2025/26 season, amid intense speculation about his expired CAF coaching credentials.

Despite the circumstances of his exit, the Tunisian departed with a major achievement to his name. He had guided Kaizer Chiefs to the 2024/25 Nedbank Cup, securing the club’s first major trophy in 10 years.

Nabi’s farewell statement, however, caused further debate. He thanked the club’s management, video analysts and fitness trainers, but did not mention his assistant coaches.

Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze subsequently took charge as co-coaches for the remainder of the campaign. Their tenure produced 54 points in the Betway Premiership, Kaizer Chiefs’ second-highest league total in the past 11 years.

The pair also led the club to third place in the league. Kaizer Chiefs narrowly missed out on progressing from the CAF Confederation Cup group stage after losing out on goal difference.

Two members of Nabi’s original technical staff remained at the club to support the co-coaches: physical trainer Majdi Safi and goalkeeper coach Ilyes Mzoughi.

Discussing Nabi’s departure on SuperSportTV’s Giants, Ben Youssef said: “The situation, it was a misunderstanding between Nabi and the board.

“It was his decision [to leave]. He said ‘I want to go, I don’t want to stay.’ Inside [the club] everyone knows what the story is and what the reality is inside.

“Because at the end of the day, you came here for a job, to succeed. You don’t come to make problems and make stories.”

The technical team’s spell at Naturena formally ended on 30 June, when Ben Youssef and Kaze left after their two-year contracts expired. Safi also departed at the end of the campaign.

Kaizer Chiefs then made significant changes to their technical structure before the current 2026/27 season.

The club have made a strong competitive start under the revamped set-up and are attempting to build on last season’s top-three finish. Their stated objective is to challenge for domestic honours and restore their historical dominance.