As widely expected after this season’s struggles, Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs are set to make a head coaching change.
According to leading Amakhosi reporter Innocent Mkhize on X, the representatives of former Mamelodi Sundowns and current Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi have entered early-stage talks with the Glamour Boys.
KAIZER CHIEFS INTERESTED IN APPOINTING MANQOBA MNGQITHI
Hundreds of Amakhosi supporters on X are treating this report with confidence, largely because Mkhize previously beat many leading journalists to the Nasreddine Nabi move to the club in 2024, giving his information strong credibility.
“Hearing, according to Upelepele, Obabela Abasindiya, there’s a big development brewing between Amakhosi and Manqoba Mngqithi ahead of next season, with talks pointing towards a possible move,” Mkhize said in his charismatic reporting style.
Beyond his impressive CV, which includes five league titles and a CAF Champions League winner’s medal as both assistant and co-coach at Sundowns, Mngqithi has also been one of the standout coaches in South Africa this season with Golden Arrows.
Also read: Three midfield signings for Kaizer Chiefs next season
The Umzimkhulu-born mentor has transformed Arrows into one of the league’s most dangerous attacking sides. They are currently the third-highest scoring team in the country with 28 goals in 22 matches, behind only Orlando Pirates (40 in 22) and Sundowns (37 in 21).
Also read: Reports: Kaizer Chiefs’ first two new signings for next season
Mngqithi’s impact was already clear last season. Appointed on 3 March with the club facing relegation, he guided Abafana Bes’thende to safety, finishing 12th after opening his tenure with a 1-1 draw against Sundowns and a 2-1 win over Kaizer Chiefs.
With eight games remaining this season, Arrows sit in eighth place — a reflection of his attacking approach and ability to get results with a relatively modest squad.
He has also led competitive cup runs, narrowly missing out after penalty shootout defeats to Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout semi-finals and Durban City in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals.
SHREWD SIGNINGS STRENGTHEN HIS CASE
Another key factor behind Kaizer Chiefs’ interest is Mngqithi’s eye for talent in the transfer market. Several of Arrows’ standout performers this season were identified and brought in under his guidance, including league-leading goalscorer Junior Dion and highly-rated Ivorian midfielder Isaac Cissé.
He also strengthened the squad late in the campaign with the arrivals of Ayabulela Maxwele and captain Ayanda Jiyane, both signed as free agents following Royal AM’s expulsion from the league.
Mngqithi has further shown his ability to develop players, helping Siyanda Ndlovu reach another level. After registering two goals and three assists in 17 matches last season, Ndlovu has already contributed four goals and five assists in 19 appearances this term, with eight games still to play.
With his experience in both domestic and African football, an attacking philosophy, strong recruitment record, and proven track record in youth development with players like Malibongwe Khoza and Kutlwano Letlaku, Mngqithi appears to fit the profile of what Kaizer Chiefs are looking for in their next head coach.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF KAIZER CHIEFS’ INTEREST IN MANQOBA MNGQITHI?
Share your thoughts by clicking on the red comments block below.
