Merry-go-round of local coaches

BLOODIED AXES BEING PUT TO GOOD USE Now Komphela’s head could be the next on the block.

It is no new assessment that the business of football coaching constitutes one of the most precarious professions on the planet. But, the pre-season and early-season goings-on in the PSL over the appointment of coaches have tended to reach new heights of chaos and inconsistency.

First, AmaZulu, who are only back in the Premier League via a cynical cheque book purchase of what should have been promoted Thanda Royal Zulu’s franchise, showed Joey Antipas the door even before their opening match and replaced him with former Platinum Stars and SuperSport United coach Cavin Johnson.

What crime Antipas committed before an official ball had as much as been kicked was never fully explained.

Then, not to be outdone, Orlando Pirates waved goodbye to coach Kjell Jonevret shortly before their opening Premiership match against Chippa United and brought back Croatian Milutin Sredojevic for a second stint.

Jonevret had been a surprise appointment midway through last season. So why wait until the last minute before the new season to wave him au revoir?

Former Pretoria University coach and Arcadia midfield stalwart Sammy Troughton made no secret of the optimism and satisfaction with which he viewed a lucrative appointment with Free State Stars for the new season.

Two days ago, immediately after Stars had gained a creditable 2-2 draw with defending champions Bidvest Wits while playing with 10 men in only his second game in charge, Troughton was replaced by Belgian Luc Eymael.

It will be recalled that what might be termed a “what is good for the goose is good for the gander” logic, Eymael had attempted to buck a contract with Polokwane City last season and link up with Bloemfontein Celtic before the PSL forced him back to honour his contract.

Under these turbulent circumstances for PSL coaches, it has been a notable contradiction that battling glamour club Kaizer Chiefs have kept faith with Steve Komphela despite the growing title failures under his tenure.

The amiable, deep-thinking Komphela, an Amakhosi captain during his playing career, but with a growing number in Chiefs’ fanatical support base calling for his head, it is an open question as to how long Chiefs continue remaining loyal to their favoured choice.