The recent departure of Nasreddine Nabi continues a well-established
trend at Kaizer Chiefs, where coaching tenures have been notably brief over
the past two decades. A look back reveals a pattern of contracts being cut
short, with very few managers seeing out their initial terms.
A Pattern of Early Exits
The cycle of early departures began in the mid-2000s. Ernst Middendorp, in
his first stint, was dismissed with four months left on his two-year deal
after falling out of the title race.
His successor, Muhsin Ertugral, saw his three-year contract terminated
“amicably” with just one game remaining in his second season. Vladimir
Vermezovic came close, but was fired seven games short of completing his
three-year cycle after the team’s title challenge faded.
Rare Success and Fan Pressure
Stuart Baxter broke the pattern, becoming the first coach since Ted Dumitru
to complete his contract. He was also the most successful, winning multiple
trophies before leaving in 2015 after failing to agree on an extension.
The club showed rare patience with Steve Komphela, but after nearly three
trophy-less years, fan pressure forced his resignation with two months left
on his three-year deal.
A Accelerating Carousel
From there, coaching changes became even more frequent:
- Giovanni Solinas triggered the earliest release, lasting just five
months of a two-year deal. - While Ernst Middendorp (in his second spell) actually completed his
contract, his successor Gavin Hunt had a three-year deal terminated
after barely one season. - Stuart Baxter’s much-anticipated return in 2021 ended within a single
season. - Arthur Zwane was relieved of his duties after just one full campaign
of his three-year contract. - Molefi Ntseki’s tenure was the shortest, lasting a mere three months
before his three-year deal was torn up.
The departure of Nabi, who was let go after just one season of a two-year
deal, confirms that the coaching carousel at Naturena continues to spin
rapidly, underscoring the immense pressure and high expectations that come
with leading the Glamour Boys.
