Chiefs in talks with ex-player Komphela
STEVE Komphela is set to be announced as the new Kaizer Chiefs head coach at a press conference to be held at the club’s Naturena headquarters on Wednesday.
Maritzburg United chair Farook Kadodia confirmed for the first time yesterday that Komphela, who has a year left on his current contract at the KwaZulu-Natal club, has had an approach from Chiefs.
Chiefs have moved swiftly to replace Stuart Baxter.
Baxter oversaw an unprecedented period of success in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) era for Amakhosi with two league and cup titles in three seasons. He joined Turkish club Genclerbirligi as technical director.
Kadodia revealed yesterday his club had been informed by Komphela’s agent, Tim Sukazi, that he was negotiating with Chiefs.
He said: “I had a call from Tim Sukazi late in the week to inform us [that] Steve has had an inquiry from Chiefs.
“I have requested them to make a formal statement to us on whether he is staying with us or going to Chiefs. Sukazi said Steve would have an interview with Chiefs.”
Sukazi couldn’t be reached for comment yesterday.
Komphela had his cellphone turned off yesterday.
The Sunday Times discovered this week that Dutchman Ernie Brandts was among the coaches to have applied for the Amakhosi job. Reports, that were later proved incorrect, were that former Orlando Pirates coach Ruud Krol had also applied.
Sources revealed recently that Chiefs’ prime target was former Amakhosi and Bafana Bafana captain and defender Komphela, who guided Maritzburg to their first top-eight finish in the past season.
Chiefs manager Bobby Motaung said on Friday he had received “15 to 20” applications. He would not confirm any names but said most were “top coaches, some current national coaches”.
Former SA under-23 coach Komphela was an assistant coach to then Bafana coach — 2004 to 2005 — Baxter.
Komphela has had many stints with Free State Stars, who he played for as a rightback in the 1990s.
Baxter’s exit came along with Chiefs giving the boot to top players who were instrumental in the coach’s success. Amakhosi opted not to renew the contracts of goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, centreback Tefu Mashamaite and winger Mandla Masango amid allegations of exorbitant package demands.
Chiefs have signed Free State centre-back Daniel Cardoso and are believed to be targeting FC Rostov defender Siyanda Xulu.