Kaizer Chiefs’ next coach: Candidates ranked
· The South African
Kaizer Chiefs co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef are hanging in by a thread following their recent nightmare run.
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Amakhosi suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat against rivals Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium last Saturday.
Thereafter, they were defeated 1-0 by Richards Bay in what was their third successive defeat in the Betway Premiership.
As a result, the pressure has increased on Kaze and Youssef.
Let’s take a look at the possible future candidates if the Amakhosi hot seat becomes available at the end of the season – or before …
From Pitso Mosimane to Benni McCarthy and Dan Malesela, there are some big names being bandied about.
1. PITSO MOSIMANE – THE DREAM PICK
Mosimane to Kaizer Chiefs has been tantalisingly teased for several seasons now.
Every time the Soweto giants are in the market for a new coach, Mosimane’s name crops up.
Likewise, every time Mosimane becomes available, Amakhosi are linked to him.
To date it’s been mostly speculation and hope, with Kaizer Chiefs seeking an answer to their ongoing poor league form, having last won the PSL title over 10 years ago, back in the 2014/15 season.
However, there is more practicality this time around.
For starters, Kaze and Youssef are under the pump following a nightmare few weeks for Amakhosi under their tenure.
Kaizer Chiefs were knocked out of both the CAF Confederation Cup and Nedbank Cup.
Meanwhile, Mosimane is available, open to the possibility, and is no doubt the strongest candidate from an accolades perspective, at least.
2. DAN MALESELA
Malesela’s name was recently suggested by an ex-Kaizer Chiefs player.
Former Amakhosi midfielder Thabiso “Skapie” Malatsi believes that Malesela is the right candidate for the job if the co-coaches are not successful.
“Even with these current players, he can do better, Dan ‘Dance’ Malesela can be the right candidate, because even his philosophy is the same with Chiefs, ushukela (entertaining football),” Malatsi stated as per Soccer Laduma.
“Because there’s no longer ushukela (entertaining football) at Chiefs, there should be flavour at Chiefs. Even Pitso (Mosimane) can be right but obviously Pitso would want to change the players, he can even change the whole squad. They should try Dan ‘Dance’ and focus again with players from development, because you can see there’s hope with players like (Thulani) Mabaso,” Malatsi suggested.
Malesela is widely-respected within the PSL. Also, he is a local coach who would bring local flavour to club.
3. BENNI MCCARTHY – THE WILD CARD
As reported on The South African, McCarthy, a Bucs and Bafana Bafana legend, is open to coaching Kaizer Chiefs one day.
However, he has confirmed that there have been no offers from Amakhosi to date.
The Orlando Pirates legend is a good option for rivals Kaizer Chiefs given what he has achieved as a coach and how he is open to the possible move.
He took AmaZulu FC from the brink of relegation to a record-high second-place finish (above Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs) in the 2020/21 season during his time in charge of Usuthu.
This qualified AmaZulu for the CAF Champions League the next season.
He took a side in turmoil and made them exciting and competitive. This is exactly what Amakhosi need.
McCarthy also helped coach the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United in 2022 when he served as their striker/attack coach.
He has experience at the highest level.
The ball is in Amakhosi management’s court. McCarthy is willing to hear what they have to say if they are prepared to make him an offer.