Kaizer Chiefs are once again searching for a new head coach after officially parting ways on Tuesday with co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef.
Amakhosi management thus face another crucial decision ahead of the next PSL season.
As pressure mounts to restore the Glamour Boys to the summit of South African football, attention has already shifted towards the candidates linked with one of the biggest and most demanding jobs in African football.
These are your three leading candidates, Amakhosi.
THREE CANDIDATES FOR THE KAIZER CHIEFS HOT SEAT – RANKED
1. MANQOBA MNGQITHI – THE FRONT-RUNNER
Former Mamelodi Sundowns and current Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has emerged as the leading candidate for the vacant Kaizer Chiefs job.
The experienced tactician is reportedly Amakhosi management’s preferred choice as they look to rebuild following another trophyless campaign.
“The plan at Kaizer Chiefs is to add one senior figure to the technical team, with Manqoba Mngqithi currently top of the list,” respected Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates insider Innocent Mkhize said on X.
Now, with Kaze and Youssef officially gone, Mngqithi appears firmly positioned to take charge at Naturena.
He offers exactly what Kaizer Chiefs desperately need right now: proven PSL experience, tactical intelligence and a deep understanding of South African football culture.
His success with rivals Mamelodi Sundowns also strengthens his credentials significantly.
At this stage, he looks like the safest and most realistic option available to Amakhosi.
2. PITSO MOSIMANE – THE FAN FAVOURITE
Pitso Mosimane remains one of the most fascinating possibilities for Kaizer Chiefs.
The highly decorated coach is still unattached, while Amakhosi are now officially in the market for a new manager.
As a result, speculation surrounding Mosimane and Kaizer Chiefs has intensified once again.
Interestingly, Mosimane recently described Kaizer Chiefs as “family”, adding even more intrigue to the situation.
“I’m part of the Kaizer Chiefs family because of my son. It’s a big, small family. My uncles, one played for Pirates, the other played for Chiefs, the one who trained Doc,” Mosimane stated on FARPost.
“It’s an ecosystem, we come from one place, one family,” he added.
There is no doubt that he remains one of the biggest names in African football. His trophy cabinet, leadership qualities and winning mentality speak for themselves.
However, the biggest question remains whether Kaizer Chiefs are prepared to match the scale of Mosimane’s ambition.
If Amakhosi truly want him, they will likely need to present a compelling long-term project capable of convincing him to lead one of the biggest rebuilding missions in South African football.
Ultimately, awakening the sleeping Soweto giants and transforming them into genuine PSL title contenders again would represent one of the toughest and most high-profile challenges of Mosimane’s career.
If one man can awaken, revive and return Kaizer Chiefs to their glory days, it’s Mosimane.
3. SVEN VANDENBROECK
Belgian coach Sven Vandenbroeck has also entered the conversation following reports linking him with the Kaizer Chiefs vacancy.
The 46-year-old former Wydad AC and CR Belouizdad coach has reportedly been shortlisted by Amakhosi management.
“According to sources close to Chiefs, former Wydad AC and CR Belouizdad coach Sven Vandenbroeck has been shortlisted for the now vacant position ahead of the new season,” KickOff reported.
Although he appears less likely than Mngqithi or Mosimane at this stage, Vandenbroeck remains a serious contender.
His extensive CAF experience and continental success make him an attractive option, particularly for a Kaizer Chiefs side desperate to restore its reputation both locally and in Africa.
Still, Amakhosi may prefer a coach with stronger local knowledge after enduring mixed results with foreign appointments in recent seasons.
For now, Mngqithi appears to lead the race. Yet with Kaizer Chiefs, major twists can never be ruled out.
Outsiders
Apart from the three coaches named above, there are others who could sneak their way into the conversation in the coming days and weeks.
Don’t rule out the following from being linked with one of the prime coaching roles on the continent: Benni McCarthy, Ernst Middendorp, Rhulani Mokoena and Eric Tinkler.
WHO DO YOU THINK IS THE RIGHT MAN TO COACH KAIZER CHIEFS NEXT SEASON?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below …
