What the Siya crew has been told…

According to Siya sources, Giovanni Solinas currently has got the backing of Chiefs’ management, despite his hot-and-cold start, though the club has had informal discussions on possible replacements, should Solinas be shown the exit door

Several high-profile coaches are believed to be eager to take on the opportunity to coach at one of Africa’s biggest clubs, in what is one of the continent’s hottest seats.

The Siya crew has been led to believe that Chiefs will assess matters more closely during the midseason break, before the 2018/19 campaign resumes in the new year, and if their situation does not improve then they may be forced to take action.

It has previously been reported that the Italian mentor is struggling with regards to his authority with the senior players in the first team, and that he may have lost parts of the changing room as results continue to go against him in both the league and the cup.

In context, the Siya crew has been informed that senior management is assessing potential options. After a Siya source informed the crew that a high-profile meeting took place with a prospective coach at Naturena in recent weeks, the Siya crew sought to get comment from the club’s Chief’s Corporate Communications Manager, Vina Maphosa. The Communications Manager, however, did not reply at the time of going to print.

In addition, the Siya crew has been informed that Chiefs have been in contact with an intermediary that looks after coaches and players, although nothing conclusive has materialised from the discussions.

One name that does seem to have resurfaced is that of Sven- Goran Eriksson, the former England head coach who has been regularly linked with a switch to the Absa Premiership in recent years, and who matches most of the club’s criteria when it comes to appointing a coach.

Meanwhile, former Amakhosi target, Patrice Carteron, is back on the market after leaving Al Ahly in Egypt. The Frenchman guided the Egyptian giants to the CAF Champions League final, but bit the bullet when they were beaten to the trophy by Esperance de Tunis. It now remains to be seen if Chiefs do reignite their interest in Carteron – the timing may just suit Chiefs.

In addition, Muhsin Ertugral’s name has been linked to the job at Chiefs in recent weeks, and there is talk that he could return to the club given the opportunity. Ertugral resigned from Ajax Cape Town earlier this month and subsequently jetted out to Turkey. He is, however, back in South Africa.

Siya sources have indicated that there’s been no discussion about bringing Stuart Baxter back to the club of late, however he was linked with a return only five months ago, and with indications that not all is well at Safa, a return for Baxter to Naturena cannot be ruled out.

Dwight Yorke’s name has also been mooted around, with indications that the Manchester United legend has put his hand up for the role. Early indications are that Yorke’s salary demands could be an obstacle, should the two parties officially engage in talks.

The crew has been told, though, that nothing will be happening this year with Solinas or the technical team at Chiefs, with changes – if any are to be made – only likely to happen early in January of 2019.