JUNIOR KHANYE SPEAK OUT ON NABI & PLAYERS AT KAIZER CHIEFS (is this true?)
Junior Khanye has once again stirred the pot in South African football, this time with bold claims regarding Nasreddine Nabi and the current group of players at Kaizer Chiefs.
Known for his brutally honest opinions and no-filter approach to football commentary, Khanye did not hold back during a recent interview, where he openly questioned whether the Tunisian coach and the current Amakhosi squad are truly compatible.
His words have sent shockwaves through the football community, sparking intense debate among fans, analysts, and even some former players.
Speaking to local media, Khanye began by acknowledging Nasreddine Nabi’s track record on the African continent.
He praised the coach’s tactical acumen and his achievements with clubs like Young Africans in Tanzania, where Nabi led the team to domestic success and made headlines in CAF competitions.
But Khanye quickly shifted gears, expressing doubt that Nabi would be able to replicate that success at Kaizer Chiefs with the players currently at his disposal.
In his words, “You can bring the best coach in Africa or even in Europe, but if the players are not at that level mentally and technically, nothing will change.”
According to Khanye, the main issue is not the coaching appointment itself but the quality and mentality of the players.
He believes that many of the current Chiefs players lack the hunger, discipline, and football intelligence needed to thrive under a demanding coach like Nabi.
He pointed out that Amakhosi’s recent struggles have less to do with tactics and more to do with what he calls “a weak dressing room culture.”
“There’s no leadership, no consistency, and no accountability,” Khanye said.
“These players don’t understand what it means to wear that badge.”
What’s even more surprising is that Khanye claimed that some players may already be resistant to the idea of working under Nabi.
While he didn’t mention names, he hinted at behind-the-scenes whispers suggesting certain squad members fear the strictness and structure Nabi is likely to bring.
“Some of them are too comfortable,” Khanye explained.
“They’re used to a soft environment. Nabi will shake things up, and not everyone will like that.”
Khanye also criticized Kaizer Chiefs management, particularly for what he sees as a lack of urgency and clarity.
He questioned why the coaching deal is taking so long to finalize and suggested that delays like these show a deeper problem at the leadership level.
“We’ve been hearing about Nabi for months. Either bring him in and back him properly or move on. This back-and-forth is damaging the club,” he said.
As expected, Khanye’s comments have divided opinion.
Some fans have applauded him for saying what others are afraid to say, agreeing that the squad has underperformed for far too long and needs a hard reset.
Others have accused him of being too negative and undermining players who are already under pressure.
But Khanye insists he speaks from love for the club and a desire to see it return to greatness.
“I’m not here to sugarcoat things,” he said.
“I played for this club. I know what it’s supposed to feel like. Right now, it’s a shadow of what it used to be.”
His remarks come at a time when the club is already facing internal tension.
Negotiations with Nasreddine Nabi have reportedly stalled due to disagreements over control, technical staff, and long-term vision.
At the same time, performances on the pitch have remained inconsistent, with fans growing increasingly frustrated.
Khanye believes that unless drastic changes are made — not just on the coaching level but across the entire club culture — the problems will persist regardless of who stands on the touchline.
He also touched on individual player responsibility, calling out what he views as complacency among senior players.
“Some of these guys have been here for years and haven’t delivered,” he said.
“If this was Europe, half the squad would be replaced. Chiefs is a big club, not a comfort zone.”
While Khanye’s tone was sharp, he ended with a message of hope.
He expressed support for Nabi’s potential appointment but warned that the club must give him full authority and not repeat the mistakes of the past.
“If you want change, you need to back your coach 100 percent,” he said.
“Let him choose his players. Let him set the rules. If you interfere, don’t expect miracles.”
As the dust settles from Khanye’s explosive comments, one thing is clear — the conversation around Kaizer Chiefs is far from over.
Whether fans agree or disagree with him, his words have forced everyone to look more closely at what’s happening within the club.
With the new season approaching and uncertainty still looming over the coaching position, all eyes will be on Kaizer Chiefs in the coming weeks.
Will the management make a bold decision and back Nabi fully?
Will the players rise to the challenge and embrace a new era of discipline and ambition?
Or will history repeat itself once again, with short-term fixes and long-term disappointment?
Whatever the outcome, Junior Khanye has made sure that the spotlight remains firmly on Naturena — and he’s not afraid to call it like he sees it.