Chiefs’ coaching hot seat up for grabs – who will take the reins after Nabi exit?

HERE we go again. Kaizer Chiefs are once again searching for a head coach after Nasreddine Nabi’s sudden departure, just months after ending the club’s 10-year trophy drought.

The thing is, whoever takes the hot seat will not only inherit the burden of expectation but also the opportunity to restore lasting stability to Naturena. 

Lunga Biyela from IOL Sports recently reported that there are several names in the mix, and they could bear a look.

However, let’s mention right up front that, of course, the media doesn’t always get it right, and there is always room for a wildcard that can come in out of the blue. Media speculation does not always match reality. We saw this recently when multiple coaches were linked to Orlando Pirates, only for the club to appoint Abdeslam Ouaddou, surprising fans and pundits alike.

But back to Chiefs. One outsider who remains in the conversation is former Pirates coach Jose Riveiro. And though he has been emphatic in stating that he would never manage another South African team, which would seem to eliminate him, that successful three-year spell at the Buccaneers keeps his name in the mix.

But what about an SA-born coach? Benni McCarthy is another ambitious contender. The former Bafana Bafana striker has long expressed a desire to coach one of the country’s big clubs. He is currently in charge of the Kenya national team, but the chance to lead the Glamour Boys might be hard to refuse.

It also has to be mentioned that currently Chiefs have interim options in Cedric Kaze and Youssef Ben Khalil. They stepped in after Nabi’s exit and could be considered for a permanent role if they continue to impress. 

Their track record is worth considering. Early in the season, while Nabi attended to a family matter back home, the pair guided the Amakhosi to four straight wins, prompting some fans to call for their full-time appointment.

And speaking about a track record, what about Ernst Middendorp? This is a familiar face who also remains under consideration. The German coach was at the helm the last time Chiefs came close to winning the league. His deep knowledge of South African football and ability to maximise players’ potential make him a credible candidate.

Then there is the obvious frontrunner: Pitso Mosimane. The PSL’s most decorated coach, Mosimane, would bring instant respect and a proven winning formula. Currently unemployed, he has publicly reflected on being a Chiefs fan while growing up, which adds to the intrigue. He does, however, probably come with a hefty price tag.

And it’s clear that finances will play a part in the club’s decision, and Chiefs must weigh the cost of hiring an established winner against the potential long-term value of a younger, ambitious coach.

What’s clear is that Chiefs face a pivotal choice. After years of turbulence and short-term fixes, the next coach will be judged on more than just trophies. 

Stability, vision, and the ability to close the gap on rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates will define the legacy of whoever takes over.