Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nabi Nasreddine has appealed to the club’s supporters to refrain from directing their frustrations at the players, following a disappointing loss to Golden Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
The defeat to Abafana Besthende marked the Glamour Boys’ 10th loss of the season in the Betway Premiership, leaving them in eighth place on the log with 29 points from 23 matches.
Goals from Nduduzo Sibiya and Knox Mutizwa secured all three points for Arrows, while Yusuf Maart’s solitary strike for Chiefs was not enough to salvage a point. With boos ringing out after Maart’s missed penalty, Nasreddine took the opportunity to call for a calm and measured response, urging the fans to place their criticism on him, not the players.
"Don't panic please, and don't attack the players – I offer to attack me now, it's normal, but don't attack the players. Protect the team and the players because the season is not finished, and I'm sure we will change the situation,” he said.
Kaizer Chiefs management, please protect Nabi at all costs. We love him🤣🤣🤣🔥🔥🔥👌🏿👌🏿. pic.twitter.com/SrefBfUKzf
Despite dominating possession and controlling large periods of the game, Chiefs were unable to capitalize on their chances. Nasreddine, however, remains resolute in his belief that the team must stay focused on the bigger picture.
"The conclusion is simple: to win, you need to score," he explained.
"We controlled the game, the statistics reflect that, but we were unable to convert our dominance into goals. This has been a recurring issue, and we are fully aware of it. While the solution is clear, now may not be the right time to make major changes."
Despite the mounting pressure from fans and pundits alike, Nasreddine called for patience, emphasizing that the team’s struggles would not be resolved overnight.
"I am truly sorry for the result, and I share in the frustration of the supporters," he admitted.
"But I ask for your patience. We are working tirelessly to improve, and we need the continued support of our fans. I have faith in the Kaizer Chiefs supporters, and I trust that they will stand by the team during this difficult period."
This was the day kaizer chiefs made a big mistake 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/onUueibMAW
— Rama (@Lerutla_shelton) March 29, 2025
Nasreddine also reassured the fans that the season is far from over and that the team will continue to fight for better results.
"We are not giving up. We are still focused on the remainder of the season, and we will continue to give 200 percent for the club," he stated.
"But we need our supporters to remain calm, to stay patient, and to protect the team during this challenging time."
The coach’s message underscored the importance of unity and collective responsibility and reiterated his belief in the team’s potential
"The season is not finished, and with the continued support of our fans, we will change the current situation. But for that to happen, we need to stay focused and work together,” he said.
"I am the first to feel the frustration from these results, but I remain confident that we will improve," he said. "The process may take time, but with patience, effort, and unwavering commitment, we will overcome this and emerge stronger."