Chiefs-Nabi deal stalls, what next as another target resurfaces?

Just recently, Nasreddine Nabi and Kaizer Chiefs seemed to be edging closer to agreed terms, and it was thought that this could spell the end of Arthur Zwane’s head coach tenure.

In a whirlwind few weeks, Nabi confirmed that he is looking for a new challenge away from the Young Africans in Tanzania, and Chiefs moved quickly to send him a proposal.

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However, it appears that negotiations have stalled over demands related to his support staff, as well as what role Zwane would play in the future.

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In the latest issue of Soccer Laduma, it’s emphatically reported that Nabi is certainly no longer in line to join Chiefs, and that the club may in fact return to the pursuit of previous target Manqoba Mngqithi.

Earlier this year, it had been reported that Mngqithi was a high-profile target for Chiefs as they sought to snap up his services from Sundowns in order to add support and experience to the coaching ranks.

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MNGQITHI HAS REGULARLY BEEN LINKED TO CHIEFS

The speculation arose after a coaching shake-up earlier this season at Sundowns, which led to speculation that Mngqithi may look for a new challenge after speculation suggested he had effectively been ‘demoted’.

Yet, the agent of the popular coach recently told SABC Sport that he will not be leaving Sundowns at the end of the 2022/23 season. 

“I’ve said this before, Manqoba is contracted to Mamelodi Sundowns until 30 June 2024, so he has another season at the club,” said Mike Makaab. “He is happy at Sundowns, and unless there is a change of heart. As it stands, Manqoba will be with Mamelodi Sundowns in the new season.”

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However, it’s now reported that Chiefs could try and renew negotiations in hope of agreeing to a release from the Brazilians, but it remains to be seen whether anything will come of this.

As it is, other recent reports stated that Mngqithi will remain in a key role as senior coach next season, with Steve Komphela serving as first team coach, while Kennedy Mweene will act as an assistant goalkeeper coach to Wendell Robinson.

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