After completing his first season as head coach of Kaizer Chiefs by winning the Nedbank Cup, yet missing out on a top eight league finish, Nasreddine Nabi reflected on his debut campaign in the Betway Premiership following Amakhosi’s goalless draw against Polokwane City on the final day of the season.

“We knew that this season was going to be tough given the process we are engaged with as a club. But after going everything this season, now there is a clear path to know what we need to do and what decisions we need to take in order to improve next season,” he told the assembled media post-match, adding, “That said, not finishing in the top eight is a disappointment, although it doesn’t undermine the effort the players have put in and what we have achieved, which is to win the Nedbank Cup. Not every team can say they have won a trophy this season. Our fans should take pride in that and enjoy it.”

The Tunisian-born coach understands the frustration of the fans in trying to make sense of the team’s inconsistent performances but assures them it is part of a greater plan that he has devised to restore the Club to the pinnacle of the domestic and continental game.

He explained, “I want to remain honest, as I have been since the beginning, so I say that we came here to rebuild the team and at the start of that process one can’t expect results to flow immediately. All of our decisions are governed by the process. Whether we win or lose, at this stage it is about assessing where we are in the process of converting this team into a successful one.”

When he was questioned as to why teams with inferior individual players to those at his disposal finished higher in the league, Nabi responded passionately.

“When you analyse how these teams play, they sit deep and play on the counter attack. Do you want Kaizer Chiefs to play like that?,” he asked rhetorically, “We want to play positive football. A big club like Kaizer Chiefs must play dominant football, offensive. That is the philosophy of Kaizer Chiefs.”

Regarding next season, Coach Nabi confirmed that plans are in motion for the next campaign, although declined to divulge any specific details, ending off with, “We had a conversation with the Chairman and management yesterday and we have a clear idea of what needs to be done. In terms of players, I won’t say how many or which players we need but the recruitment department is working very hard. Some contact with targets has started already and we are sure the team will be strengthened for next season.”