Kaizer Chiefs have defied the odds at the start of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, winning all three of their opening fixtures despite the absence of head coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Nabi missed the three matches as he was in Tunisia due to a family emergency.
Nabi’s wife was reportedly injured in an accident at home, prompting his immediate return to his home country.
In his absence, assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef has taken charge of day-to-day operations.
Despite the disruption, Kaizer Chiefs have looked sharp and organised – beating Stellenbosch FC in the opener, then Polokwane City followed by Richards Bay, scoring four unanswered goals across the games.
‘Actively involved’
Ben Youssef emphasised that Nabi remains actively involved, even from abroad.
“We are in contact every day. We prepare every session and every game together. Coach Nabi may not be physically here, but his presence is still felt in everything we do.”
The team’s technical staff, long accustomed to working closely together, has helped maintain tactical consistency.
However, according to reports on Friday, Nabi has now arrived back in South Africa.
Kaizer Chiefs now sit second in the standings on goal difference, level on nine points with Sekhukhune United.
Amakhosi will look to continue their early dominance when they host defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday, 27 August.
Kick-off is at 19:30.
Betway Premiership log
Your score predictions for the Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi Sundowns clash?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.