Video: Kaizer Chiefs fans attacked coach Nasreddine Nabi after 2-1 loss to Golden Arrows
Tensions boiled over at the stadium this past weekend as Kaizer Chiefs supporters shockingly turned against their own coach, Nasreddine Nabi, following a frustrating 2-1 loss to Golden Arrows.
In a dramatic and chaotic scene captured on video, furious fans were seen shouting, pushing past security barriers, and even throwing objects in the direction of the coach as he attempted to make his way down the tunnel.
The incident has sparked outrage across the South African football community, raising serious concerns about safety, fan conduct, and the current state of the club.
The match itself had already been emotionally charged.
Kaizer Chiefs, once the pride of South African football, had gone into the game desperate for three points after a string of poor results.
Golden Arrows, while not a traditional giant, have proven to be dangerous opponents this season, and on this day, they came out sharper, more organized, and more motivated.
Despite Chiefs taking an early lead, their defensive fragility returned once again, and they conceded two goals in quick succession during the second half.
By the final whistle, the stadium was filled with boos, frustration, and disbelief.
But what happened after the match shocked even the most hardened fans.
As Coach Nasreddine Nabi attempted to exit the pitch, several supporters breached the barricades separating the stands from the technical area.
Security struggled to contain the crowd, and videos circulated online showing projectiles being thrown at the coach.
Though Nabi was escorted by stadium officials and bodyguards, he appeared visibly shaken and had to be rushed into the tunnel under heavy guard.
There were no immediate reports of physical injury, but the psychological toll of such an attack was evident in his demeanor post-match.
Social media erupted within minutes.
Clips of the incident went viral on Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook, with thousands of fans debating whether the supporters’ behavior was justified or disgraceful.
While many agreed that Kaizer Chiefs’ recent performances have been below expectations, the overwhelming sentiment was one of disappointment at how quickly fans resorted to aggression.
Even former players, including legends of the club, spoke out condemning the act and calling for unity rather than violence.
Club management released a statement the following morning, strongly condemning the behavior of the fans involved.
They confirmed that an internal investigation was underway and that they were working closely with law enforcement to identify those responsible.
They also reiterated their support for Coach Nabi, stating that while results have been disappointing, physical or verbal abuse will never be tolerated.
The statement called for calm and reminded supporters of the role they play in building—not breaking—the team spirit.
For Nasreddine Nabi, the attack represents the darkest moment of his tenure at Kaizer Chiefs so far.
Having arrived with high expectations and a clear tactical vision, he has struggled to impose consistency on a squad that appears low on confidence and lacking cohesion.
Injuries, tactical missteps, and fan pressure have all contributed to a growing sense of unrest around the club.
Though Nabi has remained composed in the face of criticism, this incident may force him to reconsider his position—especially if the club cannot guarantee his safety moving forward.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) also issued a statement, expressing “deep concern” over the violent behavior of supporters.
They emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and called on clubs to improve their security measures.
SAFA is expected to meet with PSL officials later this week to discuss possible sanctions or stricter stadium protocols in light of the incident.
There is growing pressure on governing bodies to ensure that football venues remain safe spaces for players, coaches, and fans alike.
Golden Arrows, for their part, have remained quiet regarding the post-match chaos, choosing instead to focus on their victory.
Their coach praised his team’s resilience and tactical discipline, noting that the win was well-earned despite the emotionally charged atmosphere.
Their players left the stadium under police escort, as the entire arena had become a tense and unpredictable environment.
This incident has once again highlighted the volatile relationship between South African football fans and their clubs.
Passion runs deep, but when that passion turns to aggression, the line is crossed.
For many, this attack was not just about a single match or a single coach—it was a reflection of broader frustrations, decades of underperformance, and a deep yearning to see the glory days of Kaizer Chiefs return.
What happens next remains uncertain.
There are whispers of emergency meetings among the club’s board members.
Fans are divided—some still backing Nabi to turn things around, others demanding his resignation.
Security will likely be intensified at upcoming matches, and players may be affected by the emotional impact of seeing their coach targeted in such a public and humiliating way.
For now, Kaizer Chiefs must pick up the pieces.
They must address not only the issues on the pitch but also the broken trust between management, coaching staff, and the supporters who once worshipped them.
Only time will tell whether Nasreddine Nabi remains at the helm.
But one thing is certain—what happened after that 2-1 loss to Golden Arrows will not be forgotten any time soon.
It was more than a defeat.
It was a wake-up call.