Chiefs quell speculation on Komphela
KAIZER Chiefs’ football manager Bobby Motaung has moved swiftly to quell speculation that the club’s new technical adviser‚ Rob Hutting‚ has been appointed with a view to eventually replace coach Steve Komphela.
Motaung said while appointments of technical directors and advisers were often viewed in that manner in South Africa‚ and this had been the practical application at some clubs‚ that was not the situation with the hiring of little-known Dutchman Hutting.
“Just to inform the media and the supporters that the relationship with Rob started in June last year‚” Motaung said at a media conference at Chiefs’ Naturena yesterday.
“It’s been six months where it was a work in progress‚ trying to communicate with him and look at options together with the head coach and the chairman, Kaizer Motaung.
“We are aware that Conti Kubheka left the club [as head of development] last year. Doctor Khumalo also resigned and left the club [to become Baroka technical director].
“We had to find a suitable replacement for those positions. A person with knowledge.
“We have been doing our research and taking interviews – and I think we’ve found a suitable candidate in terms of the role that he has to play as a technical adviser.
“Just to deal with the myth or perception that is out there that Mr Hutting is here as a replacement for the coach‚ just to clarify upfront – his mission is to deal with the technical aspects‚ and advise the technical staff‚ the head coach and youth academy.
“Together, with the head coach and the chairman, we found our candidate for the next six months,” Motaung said.
“It’s six months‚ with an option to extend‚ because he [Hutting] is new in the country and has to find his feet.
“We have to find solutions also in terms of the technical aspects of his role that he’s going to play with the team.
“But for now‚ he’ll be technical advisor. Not on the coaching aspect.
“He’s not going to be taking over from Mr Komphela‚ as people and the prophets of doom have said,” the manager said.
“This was a plan‚ with the coach‚ to look at certain aspects within our technical staff.”
Asked about Komphela’s future‚ Motaung said: “It’s a work in progress.”
Hutting, 62, has never coached at a professional club.