Former Kaizer Chiefs Co-Coach Khalil Ben Youssef Responds to Backstabbing Allegations Following Nasreddine Nabi’s Exit

The departure of Nasreddine Nabi from Kaizer Chiefs continues to generate discussion within South African football, with questions surrounding the circumstances of his resignation and the dynamics within the club’s technical team. Recent speculation suggested that former co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze may have contributed to tensions behind the scenes, particularly after Nabi omitted his assistants from his farewell message. Those rumors quickly gained traction among supporters and observers who were trying to understand the events leading up to the Tunisian coach’s exit from Naturena. Now, Ben Youssef has publicly addressed the allegations, firmly rejecting any suggestion that he or Kaze undermined Nabi during their time together at the club. His comments provide a detailed account of what happened inside the technical team and offer a different perspective on the narrative that has emerged since Nabi’s departure.

Speaking to iDiski Times, Ben Youssef dismissed claims of betrayal and insisted that the coaching staff remained united throughout their time at Kaizer Chiefs. He explained that the group worked collectively under Nabi’s leadership and maintained a professional relationship despite the intense pressure associated with managing one of South Africa’s biggest football clubs. According to Ben Youssef, the accusations do not align with the reality of how the technical team operated. He pointed out that he had worked alongside Nabi for several years across different countries and clubs, making it difficult to understand why anyone would believe he had suddenly turned against the head coach. His comments were aimed at challenging the perception that divisions within the coaching staff played a role in Nabi’s resignation.

Ben Youssef also clarified the timeline of events that shaped the technical team during the season. He explained that Nabi initially arrived at Kaizer Chiefs with himself, Fernando da Cruz, Majdi Safi and Ilyes Mzoughi as part of the coaching staff. After Da Cruz returned to Morocco to join the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, the team operated without a second assistant coach for approximately two months. Cedric Kaze then joined the technical setup in October, strengthening the coaching group. Ben Youssef stressed that these changes were part of the normal evolution of a coaching staff and should not be interpreted as evidence of internal conflict. He maintained that the working relationship between all members remained focused on achieving results for the club.

One of the most discussed periods of the season came when Nabi temporarily returned home to support his wife following an accident. During his absence, Ben Youssef and Kaze assumed responsibility for three matches, leading to speculation that they could potentially take over the team permanently. Some observers interpreted the positive results during that period as evidence that the assistants were capable of leading the side on their own. Ben Youssef, however, strongly rejected that interpretation. He stated that every aspect of the team’s preparation continued to follow Nabi’s guidance and tactical direction. According to him, the coaching staff consistently communicated that they were operating as a collective unit and that Nabi remained the central figure behind the team’s game plans.

The former Chiefs co-coach argued that the idea of him and Kaze orchestrating a move against Nabi simply does not make sense when the facts are considered. He revealed that Nabi returned to South Africa after his temporary absence and later made the decision to resign. Ben Youssef emphasized that the resignation came directly from Nabi and was not the result of any internal campaign by his assistants. He questioned how anyone could accuse members of the coaching staff of forcing a departure when the head coach had personally informed the club of his intention to leave. His comments suggest that much of the speculation has been driven by assumptions rather than evidence. For Ben Youssef, the sequence of events clearly shows that Nabi’s exit was a personal decision.

A major part of Ben Youssef’s defense centers on the long-standing professional relationship he shared with Nabi before arriving at Kaizer Chiefs. The pair worked together successfully at Young Africans in Tanzania and later at ASFAR Rabat in Morocco before continuing their partnership in South Africa. These experiences helped build trust and contributed to significant achievements at previous clubs. Ben Youssef believes this history serves as the strongest argument against claims of disloyalty. He questioned why Nabi would repeatedly choose to work with him over multiple seasons and across different football environments if there were concerns about trust or commitment. His remarks highlight a relationship that was built over years rather than months.

The controversy surrounding Nabi’s departure may continue to attract attention, but Ben Youssef’s response offers important insight into the situation from someone directly involved. He maintains that he remained honest and supportive from the first day to the last day of their working relationship. While acknowledging that people are free to form their own opinions, he insists that those inside Kaizer Chiefs understand what truly happened. His comments suggest that the story behind Nabi’s resignation is more nuanced than the rumors that have circulated in recent months. As Kaizer Chiefs move forward into a new chapter, the debate may eventually fade, but Ben Youssef’s public defense of his integrity provides a clear and detailed account of his role during one of the club’s most closely watched coaching transitions.