Chiefs will get a top coach, says Motaung

JOHANNESBURG: Kaizer Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung promised the club will hire a top coach who will restore the club’s dignity and bring back the glory days at Amakhosi after three trophy-less seasons.

Motaung was speaking yesterday at FNB Stadium during the launch of the Shell Helix Ultra Cup which will see the Glamour Boys take on Mamelodi Sundowns on July 21. Chiefs’ search for Steve Komphela’s replacement has been hampered by teams with deeper pockets snatching coaches from right under their noses while trying to tie them down. Frenchman Patrice Carteron was snapped by Al-Ahly while Egyptian coach Hossam el-Badry, who is reported to have been very close to coming to Naturena, ended up going to Tunisia to manage Etoile du Sahel.

Motaung said they will announce the coach at the latest next week.

“We are going to bring a top coach,” Motaung said. “That’s why we aren’t in a rush because we have to bring the right man for the team. We need to bring the right man who will restore the dignity of this team and bring the glory days back. It’s got to be proper. We aren’t in a panic mode. We are not under pressure. Even with the signing of players, we were never in a panic mode. We do things the Chiefs way. The Chiefs way is calmer. We relax. You take (new signing) Khama (Billiat) and you calm your nerves. We aren’t under pressure to try and prove a point. Clubs do things differently. We do it the Chiefs way.”

The coach that Amakhosi appoints will work with Patrick Mabedi as the assistant, with Lee Baxter continuing as the goalkeeper coach. The new man will, however, be given an option to bring his own assistant should he want to. Motaung expanded on what characteristics any new coach must have.

“We are looking for a coach who will be a father figure to the players. A coach who will have an understanding of the league challenges. A high-profile coach with a good pedigree. Someone very experienced who will take this team to the next level. Continental experience is a must. He must have a great sense of humour too.”

Meanwhile Chiefs have signed Virgil Vries to bolster their goalkeeping department. Vries will deputise for Itumeleng Khune after Chiefs’ No. 2 from last season, Brilliant Khuzwayo, joined rivals Orlando Pirates at the end of his contract.