OPINION: With Nasreddine Nabi gone, Kaizer Chiefs must turn back to Ernst Middendorp
Back for a third time? With Nasreddine Nabi gone, bringing back Ernst Middendorp wouldn't be a bad shout for Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Kaizer Chiefs are searching for a new head coach after Nasreddine Nabi’s shock departure, as the club looks to reclaim its place at the top of South African football.
While the Tunisian has confirmed his departure with North African outlet WinWin.com, there’s been no official word from the club.
In the meantime, assistant coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef are expected to step in, though it remains unclear whether their roles will be temporary or permanent.
Should their promotion be temporary, a host of names will no doubt be thrown into the hat as Kaizer Chiefs weigh options for a successor to Nabi, which is not unusual when one of the biggest jobs in South African football becomes available.
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Among the potential candidates, one name stands out: German tactician Ernst Middendorp. Middendorp has recently been appointed as technical director of Durban City – formerly Maritzburg United – after his two relegations with Cape Town City, but the temptation to return to the helm of the biggest football club in the country may prove irresistible.
Under Middendorp, Chiefs came closest to winning the league, particularly during the 2019/20 campaign when they were at their peak. While their style of football was not pleasing on the eye, it got the job done.
Their style was very structured, balancing defensive organisation with quick, direct attacking play. It was characterised by long balls over the top and chances being put away by Samir Nukrovic up top. Colloquially, Chiefs’ style under Middendorp came to be known as “helicopter football.”
Despite the fact that they were winning games and challenging for honours, fans were not happy with it. That year, they failed to win the league after losing momentum following the Covid-19-enforced lockdown.
Kaze and Ben Youssef deserve the opportunity to steer the side to glory. But if they don’t get the job, Chiefs should definitely look to bring Middendorp back for a third time.
The next coach inherits more than a squad – they inherit a fan base desperate for silverware. Whether it’s Kaze, Ben Youssef, Middendorp, or a surprise candidate, the next appointment could define Kaizer Chiefs’ future for years to come.
IOL Sport
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