The vacant Kaizer Chiefs hot seat is one of the biggest talking points in South African football right now.
Kaizer Chiefs are once again searching for a new head coach.
The club recently parted ways with Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef.
Attention has now shifted to the leading candidates linked with one of African football’s biggest jobs.
These are the FOUR leading candidates for the vacant Amamkhosi hot seat.
TWO MASSIVE LOCAL NAMES LINKED WITH KAIZER CHIEFS
Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi and veteran tactician Pitso Mosimane are the standout local candidates.
Recent reports suggest Mngqithi is currently leading the race.
“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.
Meanwhile, Mosimane remains available.
However, there has been no confirmed approach from either party. However, he remains a realistic option – practically speaking.
‘Jingles’ is available and Amakhosi are looking for a high-profile coach.
In fact, Mosimane recently highlighted his connection to the club.
“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.
Kaizer Chiefs need a coach who can restore the club’s status.
Mngqithi enjoyed major success during Mamelodi Sundowns’ period of domestic dominance. He worked closely with Rulani Mokwena and helped build one of the strongest teams in PSL history.
Mosimane’s CV is even more impressive given his succuss in Africa (CAF Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup).
He won the CAF Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns (2016) and Al Ahly (2019 and 2021).
The South African coach also guided Al Ahly to a historic third-place finish at the FIFA Club World Cup in both 2020 and 2021.
More recently, he helped revive Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia. He guided the sleeping giants back to the top-flight football after earning promotion.
Both coaches offer proven success. Both understand the demands of South African football.
However, Mosimane’s continental pedigree could give him the edge with supporters. Many Kaizer Chiefs fans want a coach capable of competing in Africa again.
TWO WIDELY RESPECTED EUROPEAN COACHES LINKED
Sven Vandenbroeck and Fernando Da Cruz are the international names linked with the role.
As reported by The South African, Vandenbroeck was last linked with Kaizer Chiefs.
The 46-year-old Belgian has built a strong reputation across African football. His experience on the continent could make him an attractive option. He previously coached Wydad AC and CR Belouizdad.
Meanwhile, Da Cruz remains on Kaizer Chiefs’ radar.
“Several reports have also linked Fernando Da Cruz with a return to Naturena. The Spaniard was initially signed as assistant coach to Nabi but left just weeks into his tenure to take up a role in the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF),” KickOff reported.
So, Da Cruz already knows the environment at Naturena. That familiarity could work in his favour if Kaizer Chiefs want continuity. Now, the club faces a crucial decision.
Whether they choose local experience or international expertise, the next appointment could shape the future of Kaizer Chiefs for years to come.
SHOULD KAIZER CHIEFS HIRE A LOCAL COACH OR A EUROPEAN COACH TO TAKE CHARGE NEXT SEASON?
Give us your thoughts and views in the comments below …
