Former Bafana Bafana and Leeds United captain Lucas Radebe is confident that incoming Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi will bring back the glory days at the club.
Amakhosi are said to have finally landed the signature of Nabi, who will be the official successor to Molefe Ntseki for the upcoming season.
Radebe is adamant that the Tunisian tactician will be successful at the club and end the nine-year trophy drought. The former Leeds United captain was part of the glory days at Chiefs.
“I think with a coach like Nabi, I heard that he is bringing his technical staff. It will be a huge responsibility to get the club back to where it belongs,” Radebe said. He was talking to the media during the Betway 12th Man event in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, on Tuesday.
Will see a change in Kaizer Chiefs next season
“In such a big club like Chiefs, you need big players. You need quality to compete locally, first with Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. And then get back to playing the Caf Champions League.
“I think Nabi would be a good acquisition. Surely, we will see a change in Kaizer Chiefs next season.”
Radebe also reiterated the plea by another Chiefs legend, Stanton Fredericks, who showed faith in Nabi. Fredericks called on the Amakhosi faithfuls to be patient with the new coach and not expect instant results.
Fredericks echoes sentiment
“Having to back such a coach, he will bring back not just the glory but the fans as well,” Radebe said.
“He will bring the belief back again. And they will want to do well and want to compete, because fans demand a lot.
“I believe going forward, they can acquire good players, put a better structure in place, and improve the team. If you look back at the glory days of Chiefs, they had quality players.”
Radebe was among the Betway ambassadors alongside Banyana Banyana captain Simphiwe Dludlu. Former Springbok star Jean de Villiers, and Bafana legend Siphiwe Tshabalala were also present. This was at the unveiling of the second season of the Betway 12th Man initiative.
Sporting icons in attendance
The objective of the programme is to upskill former athletes. These range from football, netball, boxing, martial arts, and canoeing. It aims to increase their employment chances, courtesy of the betting company.
Included were former cricketers Ayavuya Myoli and Mangaliso Mosehle. Former footballers Benedict Vilakazi, Benson Mhlongo, Maud Khumalo, and Janine van Wyk. Ex-netball stars Phumza Maweni and Nontle Gwavu. Former Canoe stars Bridgette Hartley and rugby player Morgan Newman. MMA’s Dino Bagattin and retired boxing champion Hector Budler.
