Nabi’s playing style is similar to that of Middendorp, says ex-Pirates coach

Former Orlando Pirates assistant coach Fadlu Davids has compared Nasreddine Nabi’s playing style to that of Ernst Middendorp.

Nabi has been closely linked with the vacant head coaching position at Kaizer Chiefs. The 58-year-old Tunisian is expected to fly to South Africa in the next two weeks to begin his tenure with Amakhosi. Not much is known about Nabi or his playing style, but many local football fans may know him as Young Africans coach. During his time at Yanga, he won back-to-back league titles with the Tanzanian giants.

Davids says that the Nabi style is comparable to Middendorp

Nabi is still wrapping up in Morocco, where he is in charge of AS FAR until their cup tie this month. Fadlu David also coaches in the same league as Nabi. The former Maritzburg United coach now serves as assistant coach to Raja Casablanca under Josef Zinnbauer.

Speaking of Nabi, the South African coach said his style was similar to former Kaizer Chiefs mentor Ernst Middendorp.

“His teams are more direct when it comes to going forward and scoring goals,” Davids said The citizen

“They were the highest scoring team in the league, but most of their goals came from set-pieces and penalties.

“They were a little more direct in their approach compared to the style we played this season, but were very effective in getting the results. You can expect a team to go forward and score goals.”

“They will be a major threat on set pieces. I think it (Nabi-stye) is similar to the Middendorp style during the season where they (Chiefs) missed the league (Chiefs lost to Sundowns on the last day of the season). They scored a lot of goals through set pieces and I think you will see a similar brand of football that is results-oriented by scoring a lot of goals and winning games,” Davids added.

If Nabi’s playing style is similar to Middendorp’s, it could be another long season for Kaizer Chiefs.