Kaizer Chiefs Coach Eyes Ivory Coast Midfielder for Midfield Boost After Tough Season

Kaizer Chiefs Coach Eyes Ivory Coast Midfielder for Midfield Boost After Tough Season

Jul, 22 2025 Paul Caine

Nabi Zeros In on Ivory Coast Talent to Inspire Kaizer Chiefs’ Midfield

Kaizer Chiefs boss Nasreddine Nabi believes the missing puzzle in his squad might just be hidden behind the number 10 shirt—worn by an as-yet unnamed Ivory Coast international. Coming off a frustrating league finish and only a recent Nedbank Cup success to smile about, Nabi isn’t shy about wanting more quality and spark on the pitch. But what makes his interest in this particular midfielder so interesting?

Speaking recently, Nabi couldn’t stop talking about the player’s composure and brilliance under pressure. He praised the footballer’s split-second decision making—something Chiefs lacked in their stuttering campaign that ended with a disappointing ninth place in the South African Premier League. Even with persistent questions, Nabi played it coy, refusing to reveal the midfielder’s name. But he did highlight the ‘number 10 jersey,’ suggesting he’s not just looking for another ball-winner—he wants someone who can control games, break defenses, and add a creative spark.

Chiefs Search for Answers After League Slump

This public admiration isn’t an isolated statement. It’s part of a bigger, ongoing conversation between Nabi and club chairman Dr. Kaizer Motaung. Expectations are building for a significant shakeup as Chiefs set their sights on crawling back up the Premiership ladder. After the club failed to impress in the league, those close to the camp say the focus is firmly on bringing in top talent for the new season, with Nabi himself driving that push.

The buzz has only grown louder with speculation about other midfield targets like Bafana Bafana’s Lebogang Phiri. However, recent talks about Phiri seem to have lost momentum, leaving fans and pundits alike guessing who will eventually arrive at Naturena. What’s clear, though, is Nabi’s shortlist favors dynamic creators—players able to set the tempo, dictate play, and thrive in high-pressure moments.

Behind closed doors, Chiefs have crafted a very specific transfer plan. Nabi openly says there’s a ‘blueprint’ for reinforcing his squad, but he’s keeping details under wraps. That means the summer is likely to bring surprises and maybe even a few drama-filled negotiation marathons. Supporters shouldn’t expect big-name signings just for the sake of it; the focus is firmly on quality, especially in the attacking midfield roles.

As preseason nears and rumors build, all eyes will be on who steps up to wear the number 10 for the new campaign. Will it be the mystery Ivory Coast playmaker Nabi clearly admires, or another game changer yet to be revealed? Chiefs fans are bracing for plenty of transfer twists.

14 Comments

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    Divyangana Singh

    July 23, 2025 AT 12:58
    There's something poetic about chasing a number 10 who doesn't even have a name yet. It's like looking for silence in a storm-someone who doesn't need to shout to change the game. Maybe the real transfer isn't the player, but the shift in mindset: from grinding to gliding.

    Chiefs haven't lost their soul, they just forgot how to breathe with the ball.
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    Harsh Vardhan pandey

    July 23, 2025 AT 14:37
    Another mystery man. Cool. So when they sign him, will we get a press conference where Nabi just stares into the camera for 10 minutes and says 'he's the one'? Classic.
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    Shatakshi Pathak

    July 24, 2025 AT 20:58
    I'm just saying-why not sign two? One to play, one to sit on the bench looking mysterious so Nabi can keep whispering about 'the blueprint' forever?
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    kriti trivedi

    July 25, 2025 AT 00:10
    You know what’s funny? We’ve been begging for creativity for years, and now they’re whispering about a phantom 10 like he’s a myth. If this guy’s real, he’s not just a player-he’s a prayer answered. If he’s not? Then we’re just back to selling hope like it’s merch.

    Stop romanticizing uncertainty. Bring someone who’s already done it, not someone who might.
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    shiv raj

    July 26, 2025 AT 02:15
    I believe in Nabi man. He sees things we don’t. That number 10? He’s gonna make the whole midfield sing. Remember when we had that guy in 2018? One touch and the whole stadium held its breath? This could be like that. Just wait till preseason.

    Trust the process. We got this.
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    vaibhav tomar

    July 27, 2025 AT 05:41
    The number 10 isn't just a position it's a feeling like when you finally understand why the sky is blue after years of just accepting it

    if this guy shows up we might finally stop thinking about the last 5 seasons and just feel something again
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    suresh sankati

    July 28, 2025 AT 04:00
    So Nabi’s playing 4D chess with our hopes again. Cool. I’ll give him credit-he’s better at drama than most TV producers. But if this guy doesn’t show up by July, I’m starting a petition to replace him with a guy who actually speaks in full sentences.
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    Pooja Kri

    July 28, 2025 AT 10:11
    The tactical imperative here lies in the synthesis of spatial intelligence and tempo modulation within the central third. The absence of a true regista has created a systemic imbalance in vertical progression metrics.
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    Sanjeev Kumar

    July 30, 2025 AT 06:37
    You ever notice how the best players never talk about themselves? Maybe that’s why Nabi won’t name him. The silence speaks louder than any contract announcement. I hope he’s real. I really do.
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    Hemlata Arora

    July 31, 2025 AT 02:18
    This is unacceptable. A professional football club should not be making transfers based on vague praise and jersey numbers. There is a protocol. There are standards. This is amateurish.
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    manohar jha

    August 1, 2025 AT 07:54
    I grew up in Abidjan. I’ve seen these guys play on dusty pitches with no lights. If Nabi’s talking about someone from Côte d’Ivoire, he’s not just buying talent-he’s buying heart. That’s the real transfer.
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    Nitya Tyagi

    August 2, 2025 AT 21:17
    Another one of these ‘mystery genius’ stories… 😒 Why do we keep falling for this? It’s always ‘he’s different’… until he shows up and does nothing. And then we say ‘oh well, next season’… 😔
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    Sanjay Verma

    August 4, 2025 AT 10:01
    If it’s someone like Jean-Philippe Gbamin or even a younger guy like Soufiane Boualit, this could be huge. But if it’s some guy from Ligue 2 with 2 assists in 15 games… we’re gonna be back here next year. 😅
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    surabhi chaurasia

    August 5, 2025 AT 13:52
    This is just a distraction. The real problem is the players don’t care. No amount of fancy foreigners will fix that.

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