Coach Nabi Under Fire, Mothobi Mvala’s Contract Extension, and Tso Vilakazi’s Bold Criticism: A Rollercoaster Week for South African Football
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nazarin Nabi finds himself in a precarious position despite leading the Soweto giants to their first silverware in nearly ten years.
The Netbank Cup victory was a monumental achievement, but critics, including former Orlando Pirates star Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi, are questioning whether Nabi is the right man to guide Chiefs into a brighter future.
Vilakazi, known for his blunt opinions, has raised concerns about Chiefs’ playing style under Nabi, describing it as inconsistent and confusing.
In an interview quoted by Soccer Laduma, Vilakazi expressed skepticism about the Tunisian tactician’s long-term suitability for the club.
He acknowledged the significance of the Netbank Cup win but argued that one trophy isn’t enough to secure Nabi’s position.
Vilakazi’s critique revolves around Nabi’s tactical approach, which he claims lacks clarity.
“What is disappointing me about Nabi is I don’t know what type of football he really wants to play,” Vilakazi said.
He pointed out that while Nabi successfully transitioned Wandile Duba from winger to striker—a move that worked well—he hasn’t seen Chiefs players rise to the occasion individually.
For Vilakazi, it’s a minimum requirement for a club like Chiefs to have standout players nominated for season awards, yet this hasn’t been the case under Nabi’s tenure.
Chiefs’ inconsistency was further highlighted in their recent 1-1 draw against Zukun United, a result that jeopardized their hopes of finishing in the PSL’s top eight.
With only one match left against Polokwane City, Amakhosi must secure a victory to meet the minimum expectation of a top-eight finish.
Failure to do so could see them overtaken by rivals Marumo Gallants or Richards Bay, adding pressure to Nabi’s already scrutinized leadership.
In other news, Mamelodi Sundowns have taken a significant step to secure their squad ahead of the CAF Champions League final by extending the contract of key defender Mothobi Mvala.
The Bafana Bafana center-back will remain with the club until June 2026, with Sundowns exercising the extension clause in his deal.
Mvala, who joined Sundowns in 2020 on a five-year contract, has been a crucial figure for the reigning PSL champions.
According to Transfermarkt, he has featured in 119 matches for Sundowns, contributing seven goals and four assists across all competitions.
His return from injury and recent appearance off the bench highlights his importance as the club prepares for their clash against Egyptian giants Pyramids in the CAF Champions League final.
At 30 years old, Mvala is not only a key player for Sundowns but also an integral part of the Bafana Bafana setup under coach Hugo Broos.
With 27 caps to his name, Mvala is expected to play a vital role in South Africa’s campaigns for the 2025 AFCON finals and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
His contract extension is a major boost for Sundowns, who continue to dominate South African football and aim to conquer continental competitions.
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana legend Itumeleng Khune has shared valuable advice for players dealing with criticism, especially in the age of social media.
Khune, who has faced his fair share of scrutiny during his illustrious career, revealed how stepping away from platforms like Twitter helped him regain focus and return to top form.
Khune recounted a painful experience in 2011 when Chiefs lost to Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final.
As he left the field, he saw his name trending on Twitter, accompanied by harsh comments from fans.
“Those comments were heartbreaking,” Khune said, adding that the intense public scrutiny affected his ability to listen to the chairman’s post-match address.
Understanding the pressure that comes with representing high-profile sides like Chiefs and Bafana Bafana, Khune advised players to log out of social media when the negativity becomes overwhelming.
“Just give yourself a break and focus on what puts bread on your table, which is football,” he said.
Khune credited media training sessions at Chiefs for helping him learn how to handle criticism and control his emotions.
His advice resonates deeply in the modern era, where fans’ frustrations are amplified by betting slips and instant reactions on social media.
Khune’s approach to shielding himself from negativity serves as a reminder that mental well-being is just as important as physical performance for professional athletes.
As the PSL season nears its conclusion, the spotlight remains on Kaizer Chiefs’ struggles, Sundowns’ dominance, and the broader challenges faced by players in the league.
Coach Nabi’s future at Chiefs hangs in the balance as the club battles for a top-eight finish.
Sundowns, on the other hand, continue to strengthen their squad with Mvala’s contract extension, setting their sights on continental glory.
Meanwhile, Khune’s candid reflections offer valuable lessons on coping with the pressures of professional football.
Whether it’s navigating criticism or striving for consistency, the stories unfolding in South African football this week highlight the highs and lows of the beautiful game.
Fans eagerly await the final twists and turns as the season wraps up, knowing that the drama is far from over.
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