Are Chiefs better without Nabi?

On the 17th of September, Kaizer Chiefs reportedly parted ways with coach Nasreddine Nabi.

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Two days later, we were informed in an official statement that Amakhosi and the coach were in talks over an internal matter and that he would not be with the team in Luanda to face Kabuscorp S.C.P. A good two weeks later and there has been radio silence from the club. What is clear is that the Tunisian-Belgian coach will not be returning. However, are Amakhosi better off with Nabi's assistants, Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef? Let's look at the data from last season and compare it to the matches overseen by the co-coaching duo this term, both whilst Nabi was away and since the coach left his role.

Possession

Amakhosi had 57.8% possession per match last season under Nasreddine Nabi. The coach regularly spoke about his game model and his desire for Chiefs to play attacking, front-foot football. Their ball possession numbers were the third-best in the league behind Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

Under Nabi this season, across three league matches, Chiefs had 38% possession against Mamelodi Sundowns, 62% against Golden Arrows and 63% versus Sekhukhune United. Nabi's average is therefore just 54%, though this is heavily skewed by a game against the champions, where Amakhosi were effective on and off the ball. Meanwhile, with Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, Amakhosi sit at almost 64% possession, but with a much more favourable fixture list.

Overall, Chiefs sit at about 58% possession this season. Sundowns currently lead the way with 71% of the ball across their 10 Betway Premiership matches.

Expected goals

Whilst actual goals scored will always be the holy grail, 'Expected Goals' can tell you about how many chances a team is creating, and how many goals should be scored. The Glamour Boys averaged 1.58 xG per game last season, tied-third with Sekhukhune United and again behind Bucs and Downs.