Kaizer Chiefs are seemingly done with the appointment of a new coach with Nasreddine Nabi along with his technical team set to take over ahead of next season, however, Foot-Afrik looks at five local coaches who could also revive the club’s fortunes.
WHO ARE LOCAL COACHES WHO COULD HAVE TURNED THINGS AROUND AT CHIEFS?
1 – Pitso Mosimane
Widely regarded as South Africa's greatest coach, Pitso Mosimane's experience and winning record suggest he could be the answer for Kaizer Chiefs. His career boasts rare setbacks, as evidenced by his trophy haul.
Mosimane became well-known during his spell with SuperSport United where secured the SAA Supa8 and Absa Cup before assisting Carlos Alberto Parreira at Bafana Bafana. He was part of South Africa’s technical team during the 2010 FIFA World Cup where they were eliminated in the group stages.
Taking over Bafana Bafana afterwards, his tenure proved short-lived after six wins, seven draws and three defeats in 16 matches. However, his true potential was unleashed at Mamelodi Sundowns, where he transformed them into African powerhouses.
Success continued at Al Ahly (Egypt) and Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia) after leaving Sundowns. Mosimane's trophy cabinet is a testament to his brilliance: 3 CAF Champions League titles, 3 CAF Super Cups, 1 Egyptian Premier League title, 1 Saudi Arabian Yelo League title, 4 South African league titles, 2 Nedbank Cups, 2 Telkom Knockouts (now Carling Knockout Cup), SAA Supa8, ABSA Cup and 1 Egyptian Cup.
Mosimane was linked with Chiefs job but it is understood, Amakhosi never approached him for his services.
2 – Benni McCarthy
McCarthy's current contract as senior coach under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United expires this month. With the club approaching Ruud van Nistelrooy to join Erik Ten Hag’s technical team, McCarthy’s exit rumours have intensified.
McCarthy's name was among those considered for the Kaizer Chiefs coaching job. With his experience leading Cape Town City to the 2018 MTN8 title and AmaZulu FC to a strong showing, he possesses the credentials to take on a big club like the Soweto giants.
He acknowledged his interest in the position, stating in a Marawa Sports Worldwide interview, “I think we can safely say that Kaizer Chiefs is an institution, listen, it’s a great club that I always had a lot of love for.”
He went on to say, “If the opportunity comes or anything, of course, I’ll have to sit down and think about it because like I said, you don’t say no to institutions.”
3 – Manqoba Mngqithi
Last season, Kaizer Chiefs were reportedly interested in Mnqqithi after failing to secure Nabi’s services. Mngqithi’s contract was expiring at the end of the 2022/23 season and Sundowns had a one-year extension option which they triggered.
Mngqithi held the final say during his co-coaching stint with Rulani Mokwena at Sundowns. Together, they won the MTN8, Nedbank Cup, and DStv Premiership titles.
Prior to his partnership with Mokwena, Mngqithi amassed several trophies as an assistant coach under Pitso Mosimane. His contributions continue to be instrumental in the club's success under Mokwena's sole leadership.
He has led Golden Arrows and AmaZulu as sole head coach and has what it takes to spearhead a big team like Chiefs.
4 – Eric Tinkler
There have been reports about racial division within the club and with Tinkler, known for his strict approach, he could be the solution to these reported dressing room problems, a crucial step before addressing their on-field issues.
Meanwhile, the 1996 AFCON winner with Bafana Bafana has led a big club before when he was a head coach of Orlando Pirates between 2016 and 2017, leading them to two cup finals – CAF Confederation Cup and Nedbank Cup, where they lost unfortunately.
After his Pirates’ departure, he went on to hoist Telkom Knockout in his first stint with Cape Town City before he won the MTN8 trophy with SuperSport United.
With Tinkler at the helm, Cape Town City have been competitive almost every season despite not having similar resources with the so-called Gauteng “big three”.
5 – Morena Ramoreboli
Many look at him as a new kid on the block due to his recent rise to prominence. Morena Ramoreboli's coaching brilliance dates back to 2013 when he orchestrated a stunning 4-1 victory for Maluti FET College over Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup. Despite his early success, opportunities in domestic football remained elusive, leading him to seek challenges abroad.
In Botswana, he transformed Jwaneng Galaxy into a force to be reckoned with. Last season, he repeated his giant-killing feat against the Buccaneers, eliminating them from the CAF Champions League qualifiers.
Under his guidance, Galaxy secured back-to-back league titles, reached the CAF Champions League group stage twice, and recently capped off their last dominant season with the Orange FA Cup.
Ramoreboli's achievements extend beyond club football. He guided Bafana Bafana to COSAFA Cup glory in 2021, further solidifying his reputation. Several clubs are interested in his services and he remains the favourite for Sekhukhune United and South Africa Under-23 positions.
Given Kaizer Chiefs' need for a fresh start, Ramoreboli's record of consistent success could have made him a valuable candidate.
