Pitso Mosimane, the ideal successor for Nasreddine Nabi amid his imminent departure at Kaizer Chiefs

Pitso Mosimane could be what Kaizer Chiefs’ management and supporters hoped Nasreddine Nabi would be — and more.

Chiefs are reportedly set to begin the search for Nabi’s potential replacement in the coming weeks.

This comes after reports emerged that Nabi and Chiefs have mutually agreed to part ways over a licensing issue ahead of this season’s CAF Confederation Cup campaign. The club, however, only confirmed that the Tunisian coach is currently not with the team — ahead of their Confederation Cup opener away to Angola’s Kabuscorp on Saturday — due to internal issues.

However, the first version of the story appears to hold more weight, as Nabi is already back in his native Tunisia with his wife, who is recovering from a serious accident that occurred a few weeks ago. He has also reportedly given interviews to various publications about his departure, stating that he has left the club and is taking time to rest and consider his next move.

Nabi’s absence has seen his trusted lieutenants, Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, hold the fort in the meantime. While the duo have shown their coaching ability — leading Chiefs to successive wins in the first three Betway Premiership matches this season — they do not appear ready to guide the club on a long-term basis.

Chiefs need someone who can hit the ground running and ensure that the team builds on its strong domestic start, having recorded four wins, one draw, and one loss since the start of the Betway Premiership season.

Enter Mosimane. The 61-year-old holds the highest coaching qualification on the continent — the CAF Pro License — which is equivalent to Europe’s UEFA Pro License. This is the same license Nabi holds, but reportedly did not renew in time to meet the requirements for continental competitions this season.

Beyond his qualifications, which are expected to be up to date, Mosimane knows South African football like the back of his hand.

It was, after all, in the PSL where he cut his coaching teeth and became the most decorated coach in the league’s history. Mosimane won four league titles and numerous domestic trophies during his time at SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns.

“Jingles,” as he is fondly known in football circles, has also made his mark on the continent, winning three CAF Champions League titles — one with Sundowns and two with African Club of the Century, Al Ahly.

Mosimane didn’t make his name through tactics alone — though that’s part of the package. He is a players’ coach, but he also demands the best from his squad in every match.

Over the years, Chiefs players have often struggled to handle the pressure and expectations that come with representing the club. This may explain why they endured a decade-long trophy drought before winning the Nedbank Cup last season.

With the club strengthening its squad this season, they now need a strong figure — like Mosimane — who can bring out the best in the team and maintain a healthy dressing room, where ego can sometimes get in the way of progress.

Granted, Mosimane won’t come cheap, especially as he brings a team of trusted assistants. But what could help Amakhosi’s board sway the former Bafana Bafana coach is the fact that he is currently unemployed — and has previously expressed interest in coaching Chiefs, before the club appointed Nabi.

Mosimane has already visited Naturena and was impressed with the club’s facilities, praising them as among the best on the continent. So, if Chiefs are truly seeking their “Messiah,” they need not look further than this revered and highly qualified son of the soil.