Kaizer Chiefs’ Shock Split: Khune’s Bitter Truth & Nabi’s Exit – Meanwhile, Sundowns Snatch Another European Star! ‘Because Loyalty Is Overrated, Right?’

Kaizer Chiefs find themselves embroiled in a whirlwind of controversy and transition as veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune openly expresses disappointment over the club’s apparent decision to part ways with head coach Nazarine Nabi.

Though Chiefs have yet to officially confirm Nabi’s exit, insiders say negotiations to release the Tunisian tactician are well underway.

Khune, a stalwart of the club and a witness to its highs and lows, lamented the premature end to Nabi’s tenure.

“It’s unfortunate what’s happening at Kaizer Chiefs,” Khune said.

“For the past 10 years, Chiefs hadn’t won silverware, and then Nabi came and broke that curse.”

The 37-year-old shot-stopper praised Nabi for building a “well-oiled machine” and guiding the club to coveted silverware in his very first season.

“It would have been great to see him continue,” Khune added, “but Chiefs are a business. Players and coaches know they won’t be at the club forever. When given an opportunity, you give it your all, and Nabi did just that.”

His words underscore the bittersweet reality facing Chiefs fans—a coach who delivered tangible success now seemingly cast aside.

This decision has divided supporters, fueling heated debates across social media and fan forums.

Some argue the club needs fresh leadership to push further, while others feel Chiefs are risking stability by cutting short a promising project.

The question remains: did Chiefs make the right call, or are they repeating past mistakes by rushing through coaching changes?

Amid the uncertainty surrounding Nabi’s future, there’s a glimmer of optimism in the form of new signing Kanye Samario.

The former winger Junior Kanye recently lavished praise on Samario following his impressive debut against Marumo Gallants, where he scored in a 1-1 draw at the FNB Stadium.

“Kanye brings the quality Chiefs have been lacking up front,” Junior Kanye told Itiski TV.

“He’s highly motivated, especially because of his father’s legacy. You could see he gave it his all.”

Beyond scoring, Kanye highlighted Samario’s football intelligence and pedigree, noting his development through SuperSport’s academy and solid performances at Cape Town City.

Chiefs currently sit third on the Betway Premiership table with 14 points from seven matches, and fans are eager to see if Samario can provide the consistent goal threat the club has craved for years.

With Nabi’s future uncertain, Samario’s impact might be crucial in maintaining momentum during this transitional phase.

Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns are quietly making waves of their own.

Head coach Miguel Kadosa recently confirmed the signing of Portuguese midfielder Miguel Reino, adding yet another layer of European experience to the squad.

Reino, 26, previously played for Boavista and joins Sundowns as a free agent, allowing registration outside the official transfer window.

Reino is Sundowns’ second marquee signing this season, following compatriot Nuno Santos, who debuted in a narrow 1-0 loss to Golden Arrows.

Kadosa admitted securing Reino was no easy feat, emphasizing the rarity of attracting European talent of this caliber to the South African league or even the broader African market.

“These kinds of players with such quality are not easy to sign,” Kadosa told TimesLIVE.

“The business was difficult, but everything is now in order to announce him.”

He believes the arrivals of Reino and Santos will provide much-needed depth and options, especially off the bench—a department where Sundowns have struggled this season.

Sundowns have already trimmed their squad significantly, with 14 departures and four new signings, while promoting promising youngsters like Gwano Liaku Sabonga, Tato Ciba, and Bennett Mua.

Kadosa hopes the bolstered squad will help the club bounce back strongly after their first league defeat of the season.

“The market brings opportunities sometimes, and we were lucky with hard work and effort from the club to reinforce the team and become stronger,” Kadosa said.

Reino is expected to be officially unveiled in the coming days, adding yet another chapter to Sundowns’ ambitious campaign.

Back at Naturena, Chiefs face a pivotal moment.

The club’s handling of Nabi’s exit and the integration of new signings like Samario will define their season and possibly their identity.

Khune’s candid remarks highlight the emotional toll such decisions take on players and fans alike.

Is the Chiefs hierarchy prioritizing short-term results over long-term stability?

Will Samario live up to the hype and solve the club’s attacking woes?

And how will Nabi’s departure reshape the dressing room dynamic?

Meanwhile, Sundowns continue to quietly build a squad that blends local talent with international experience, signaling their intent to remain the dominant force in South African football.

In a sport where loyalty is often fleeting and decisions can make or break legacies, Chiefs and Sundowns are showing contrasting approaches.

Chiefs’ shock decision to move on from a trophy-winning coach raises eyebrows, while Sundowns’ patient, strategic signings suggest a long-term vision.

For fans, the drama is far from over.

The coming weeks will reveal whether Chiefs’ gamble pays off or if Sundowns’ quiet power play will tip the balance of power in the league.

One thing is clear: in South African football, every decision carries weight, every signing sparks hope, and every split invites controversy.

As Khune’s words remind us, sometimes the right choice isn’t the easiest one to make—or accept.