From Mosimane to McCarthy: The contenders for the Kaizer Chiefs job
Who will replace Nabi? Following Nasreddine Nabi's sacking by Kaizer Chiefs, the club will now be on the market for a new head coach. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Kaizer Chiefs are once again at a crossroads after the departure of Nasreddine Nabi. His exit, so soon after ending the club’s 10-year trophy drought, has left the Glamour Boys searching for yet another head coach.
The new man will face huge pressure. Chiefs fans want both stability and silverware, and the next appointment will be judged on how quickly the club can close the gap on rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
Finances will also play a role. Chiefs must decide whether to pursue a proven winner with a big price tag or take a gamble on a younger coach with long-term potential.
With all this in mind, IOL Sport suggests several names that are already in the mix. Here are some of the candidates who could be considered for the Kaizer Chiefs hot seat.
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Pitso Mosimane: The proven winner – The name on everyone’s lips. With an unrivalled PSL record, Mosimane knows how to win titles and would instantly command respect. Fortunately, he’s currently unemployed and has spoken about being a Chiefs fan while growing up.
Ernst Middendorp: Familiar face – The German was in charge the last time Chiefs went close to winning the league. He has shown he can maximise the players at his disposal, and his knowledge of the South African game is second to none.
Jose Riveiro: The outsider – While many may want to see Riveiro try his hand at Soweto’s other big club, it’s unlikely he will return. Before he left Pirates, he said he would never return to manage another team. His three successful years at Pirates keep him in contention.
Benni McCarthy: Ambitious contender – McCarthy has long expressed a desire to lead one of South Africa’s giants, and despite being the head coach of the Kenya national team, an offer to be in charge of the Glamour Boys could be too good to turn down.
Cedric Kaze & Youssef Ben Khalil: Interim hope – The two are currently in charge of the team following Nabi’s departure and could be handed the reins on a full-time basis if they can impress in the coming weeks. The club began the season with four wins on the trot when they were in charge while Nabi was attending to an urgent family matter early in the season, prompting fans to call for their permanent appointment.
Wildcard: The unknown name – Sometimes the media gets it wrong and a completely different person gets the job. It happened during the recent off-season when a host of coaches, from Mosimane to Rulani Mokwena, were linked with Orlando Pirates, only for the club to shock everyone and appoint Abdeslam Ouaddou.
What’s clear is that Chiefs face a defining decision. After years of turbulence and short-term fixes, the club must weigh proven experience against fresh ideas. Whoever takes the hot seat will not only inherit the burden of expectation but also the opportunity to restore lasting stability to Naturena.
IOL Sport