Kaizer Chiefs have defied the odds at the start of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, winning both of their opening fixtures despite the absence of head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who is currently in Tunisia due to a family emergency.
Nabi’s wife was reportedly injured in an accident at home, prompting his immediate return to Tunisia.
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 and then Polokwane City, scoring three unanswered goals across both matches.
‘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.
According to reports, Nabi is soon expected to begin the long journey back to South Africa and is expected to arrive before the end of the week.
Kaizer Chiefs now sit top of the standings on goal difference, level on six points with Durban City, Marumo Gallants, and Sekhukhune United.
The club will look to continue their early dominance when they host Richards Bay at FNB Stadium on Tuesday in their third league match of the season.
Kick-off is at 19:30.
Tickets for the Glamour Boys’ second home match of the season are available online at ticketmaster.co.za and kaizerchiefs.com or Shoprite, USave and Checkers supermarkets at R60.
Betway Premiership log ahead of kick-off
Prediction
Kaizer Chiefs 2-0 Richards Bay
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