When Nasreddine Nabi, head coach of Kaizer Chiefs was shown a red card by referee Olani Kwinda after a 1‑0 loss to Golden Arrows, the South African football world stopped to stare. The incident unfolded at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, 8 September 2025, during a Betway Premiership matchMoses Mabhida Stadium. Nabi’s outburst, captured on live television, saw him march onto the pitch after the final whistle, point his finger at Kwinda and demand a longer added‑time period.
What sparked the showdown?
According to the match report, Golden Arrows were accused of deliberately slowing the game in the closing minutes – a tactic many clubs employ when protecting a narrow lead. Chiefs’ players, however, felt the referee was overly generous, allowing only three minutes of stoppage time despite the prevailing belief that five or more minutes are common in such fixtures. Khalil Ben Youssef, the assistant coach, later told reporters, “We expected at least five minutes. We usually get more than that in our twelve games so far.”
Why the assistant coach blew up
When pressed about Nabi’s dismissal, the visibly irritated Ben Youssef snapped, “Do I have to answer this question?” He then launched into a detailed critique of the referee’s handling of substitutions. “A normal substitution takes about 30 seconds. We had five windows in the second half and only used three. That alone added frustration.” He added that the limited stoppage time felt like a punitive measure for a team that had already endured what he called “obvious time‑wasting” from the opposition.
History of friction between Nabi and officials
The red‑card episode isn’t an isolated drama. Since taking over in December 2023, Nabi – a Tunisian tactician whose résumé includes stints at ES Sahel and USM Alger – has frequently raised eyebrows with his outspoken criticism of South African referees. In March 2024, after a 2‑1 defeat to Orlando Pirates, he publicly accused the officiating crew of bias and called for the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to adopt VAR technology. His outbursts have sparked heated debates on talk‑radio shows and social media, with some fans defending his passion and others demanding more decorum.
What the suspension means for Chiefs
Under PSL rules, a straight red card triggers an automatic two‑match ban for the coach. That means Nabi will miss the upcoming fixtures against Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits. In his absence, Ben Youssef is expected to take the reins on match‑day, a move that could either stabilise the squad or further expose internal rifts. Chiefs finished the 2024‑25 season in fourth place, narrowly missing the MTN8 tournament, and the club’s hierarchy is now under pressure to reconcile the coaching staff’s differing philosophies.
Broader issues: Referee standards and VAR in the PSL
The incident reignites a long‑standing conversation about refereeing standards in South Africa. According to a 2023 PSL audit, 68% of clubs felt “time‑wasting was inconsistently punished.” Meanwhile, the league has trialled VAR in cup competitions but has yet to roll it out for regular league matches. Critics argue that without technology, subjective decisions – like the one that led to Nabi’s red card – will continue to fuel controversy.
Key facts
- Coach Nasreddine Nabi received a red card from referee Olani Kwinda on 8 September 2025.
- Chiefs lost 1‑0 to Golden Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
- Assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef cited limited stoppage time and substitution delays as triggers.
- Nabi faces a two‑match suspension, missing games against Sundowns and Bidvest Wits.
- The episode adds pressure on the PSL to consider VAR and clearer time‑wasting guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Nasreddine Nabi sent off?
Nabi confronted referee Olani Kwinda after the final whistle, pointing his finger at the official and demanding more added time. Kwinda interpreted the gesture as dissent and issued a straight red card, triggering a two‑match ban under PSL regulations.
How will the suspension affect Kaizer Chiefs?
With Nabi sidelined for the next two league games, assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef will act as caretaker. The club risks losing tactical continuity, but the familiar face may also calm a rattled squad. The outcomes of the Sundowns and Bidvest Wits matches could determine whether Chiefs stay in the top‑four chase.
Is time‑wasting a common grievance in the PSL?
Yes. A 2023 league audit found that 68% of clubs felt officials applied inconsistent penalties for delaying tactics. Chiefs’ complaint about only three minutes of stoppage time reflects a broader perception that certain teams benefit from lenient officiating.
Will VAR be introduced to the PSL after this incident?
The PSL has piloted VAR in cup contests but has not committed to a full league rollout. The controversy surrounding Nabi’s dismissal adds pressure on the league’s board to accelerate discussions, though budgetary constraints remain a hurdle.
What does this mean for the relationship between Nabi and the club’s hierarchy?
Sources close to the club warn that trust is eroding, especially after the team missed the 2025 MTN8. The red‑card episode could be the tipping point, prompting senior management to reassess Nabi’s future if on‑field results do not improve.
Pradeep Chabdal
October 5, 2025 AT 20:26The spectacle of Coach Nabi's ejection, while undeniably theatrical, underscores a deeper malaise within the PSL's adjudicative framework. One could argue that the referee's decision was a manifestation of an increasingly fragile relationship between officials and coaches. The incident at Moses Mabhida Stadium will likely be dissected in tactical seminars for years to come. Moreover, the timing of the red card-immediately after a narrow defeat-adds a layer of intrigue to the power dynamics at play. In essence, this is not merely about a single match but about institutional accountability.
Abirami Nagarajan
October 7, 2025 AT 00:13The coach's outburst was unnecessary and set a bad example for young fans.
shefali pace
October 8, 2025 AT 03:59What a roller‑coaster of emotions! The Chiefs' supporters felt the sting of disappointment, yet the drama on the sidelines gave them something to talk about. Nabi’s fiery gesture, though condemned, reflected the passion that fuels South African football. Let’s hope the assistant steps up and steadies the ship, because the squad deserves a voice of calm. In the end, this episode might just galvanize the team for the upcoming challenges.
sachin p
October 9, 2025 AT 07:46From a South African perspective the fan culture thrives on passion, yet the consistency of refereeing remains a contentious point. While supporters relish the intensity, they also crave fairness on the pitch. The debate over added‑time standards is not new, but each incident adds another layer to the conversation.
sarthak malik
October 10, 2025 AT 11:33According to the PSL rulebook, a straight red card for a coach triggers an automatic two‑match suspension, which means Nabi will sit out the Sundowns and Bidvest Wits games. During his absence, assistant Khalil Ben Youssef will assume caretaker duties, a role he’s already familiar with. This could either restore tactical continuity or expose further rifts within the coaching hierarchy. Clubs often use such periods to reassess squad morale and strategy.
Nasrin Saning
October 11, 2025 AT 15:19It is important to keep the dialogue open and respectful. The team can benefit from a calm approach during the coach’s suspension. Inclusive mentorship from the staff will help players stay focused.
gaganpreet singh
October 12, 2025 AT 19:06The incident involving Coach Nasreddine Nabi is emblematic of a broader ethical decay that permeates modern football administration. When a manager, entrusted with the stewardship of young athletes, resorts to overt dissent, it betrays a fundamental lapse in professional decorum. Such conduct cannot be excused as mere passion, for passion, when untempered, morphs into aggression that destabilises the very fabric of sport. Moreover, the referee, acting within the bounds of the law, exercised his authority to maintain order-an act that should be commended rather than vilified. The public spectacle of a red card, while dramatic, serves as a necessary reminder that the rules are sacrosanct. Allowing a coach to flout these statutes without consequence would set a dangerous precedent, emboldening others to follow suit. The suspension, therefore, is not a punitive overreach but a corrective measure aimed at preserving integrity. It also forces the club to confront internal governance issues that have been simmering beneath the surface. The role of the assistant coach, Khalil Ben Youssef, now becomes pivotal; his measured response could restore equilibrium. Yet, it is incumbent upon the management to address the root causes of such outbursts, including the perceived inconsistencies in stoppage time and substitution handling. By establishing clearer guidelines, the league can mitigate future confrontations. Ultimately, the sport thrives when respect for officiating is upheld, when coaches embody the leadership they are expected to provide, and when accountability is enforced without bias. This episode should catalyse a re‑evaluation of disciplinary frameworks, ensuring that passion is channeled constructively rather than erupting into public discord.
Urmil Pathak
October 13, 2025 AT 22:53Time‑wasting debates continue.
Neha Godambe
October 15, 2025 AT 02:39The administration must address the systemic deficiencies immediately, implementing a transparent VAR rollout and standardized time‑wasting penalties to restore credibility among clubs and fans alike.
Mohit Gupta
October 16, 2025 AT 06:26Wow!!! That red card was just the tip of the iceberg!!! The drama keeps getting wilder!!!
Varun Dang
October 17, 2025 AT 10:13While the controversy has understandably incited strong emotions, it also presents an opportunity for the PSL to refine its officiating protocols. A balanced approach-incorporating technology and clear guidelines-will benefit all stakeholders. Let’s remain optimistic that constructive changes will emerge from this turbulence.
Stavya Sharma
October 18, 2025 AT 13:59The league’s hesitation to adopt VAR signifies a reluctance to modernise, which is frankly unacceptable. Club officials must demand concrete timelines, lest the sport’s integrity continue to erode. Failure to act now will only exacerbate existing frustrations.