As reported, the Soweto giants are expected to announce Fernando Da Cruz as the new Kaizer Chiefs in the coming days.
We have taken the moment to visit some of the club’s finest coaches in the Premier Soccer League era (as of 1996).
WHO TOPS THE LIST OF BEST KAIZER CHIEFS COACHES?
TED DUMITRU
Over the decades, Amakhosi have enjoyed success under several iconic coaches, with a select few standing above the rest for their trophy hauls, tactical influence and lasting impact at Naturena.
Ted Dumitru is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in Kaizer Chiefs history. Nicknamed “The Football Scientist”, the Romanian guided the club to back-to-back PSL titles in 2003/04 and 2004/05. Additiobnally, it was how it was done at clubs like these.
Under Dumitru, Amakhosi produced an exciting brand of football while getting the best out of stars such as John Moshoeu, Emmanuel Ngobese and Collins Mbesuma.
MUHSIN ERTUGRAL
The Turkish-German mentor Ertugral also cemented his legacy at Naturena. He earned a reputation as Kaizer Chiefs’ ultimate cup specialist during two successful spells at Naturena. His first stint between 1999 and 2003 featured the famous “Operation Vat Alles” campaign, a mission to win every available cup competition.
Although league titles proved elusive, Ertugral guided Chiefs to the 2000 Coca-Cola Cup, the 2001 BP Top Eight, the 2001 African Cup Winners’ Cup and the 2001/02 Coca-Cola Cup.
Ertugral returned in 2007 and quickly resumed his knockout success. He added the 2007 Telkom Knockout and 2008 MTN8 to his trophy collection, further cementing his status as one of the most successful cup coaches in Amakhosi history.
Jeff Butler and Paul Dolezar deserve honourable mentions. They are remembered fondly after enjoying successful spells during the late 1980s and 1990s.
WHO WAS THE LAST COACH TO DELIVER LEAGUE TITLES?
The answer remains Stuart Baxter. During his first stint between 2012 and 2015, Baxter guided Kaizer Chiefs to two league titles. He also lifted an MTN8 trophy and the Nedbank Cup.
His well-organised and disciplined side dominated South African football. He made him one of the most successful coaches in the club’s modern era.
More importantly, Baxter remains the last Kaizer Chiefs coach to lift the league in the 2014/15 season. As Da Cruz prepares to take charge, ending that lengthy drought will be the challenge awaiting him at Naturena.
WHO IS THE FAVOURITE KAIZER CHIEFS COACH OF ALL TIME?
Share your thoughts by clicking on the red comments block below.
