Will Chiefs fans see a crowning for King Arthur at Naturena?
ARTHUR Zwane’s inside knowledge on what’s expected of the new Kaizer Chiefs coach shapes him as the right man to fill the vacant post, except the Amakhosi legend has spoken fondly of “an incoming coach”.
For a second season running, Chiefs endured a trophyless season, extending their barren run to seven seasons, most recently under Stuart Baxter who replaced Gavin Hunt for the same reason.
Just like the club did when they sacked Hunt, Chiefs called on assistant coach Zwane to help out on an interim basis after firing Baxter.
But the Chiefs’ faithful are caught between Zwane’s readiness to assume the top seat on a full-time basis and the continuation of his role as understudy to a “more experienced coach”. The 48-year-old is mum on the matter.
“As of now, I don’t even know whether I’m going to be part of the team but what is key is that there should be continuity,” he said. “That’s why there should be pillars in place so that whoever that comes in finds continuity.
“What killed Chiefs before is that there was no continuity. Everyone that came in wanted to change everything, and that affected even the players. As a club, we’ve seen where the mistake has been and we are trying to rectify that.
“There’ll be pillars in place and there’ll be a way of working. The policy of the club will be there to guide him, whoever that is coming in, at the end of the day. And that, I think, will change things for the better.”
Zwane knows the club like the back of his hand having been around for more than 22 years. But do they trust him enough as the right man for the job?
The Uefa B Coaching Licence holder admitted that he’ll gladly take the most demanding job in the land if it falls on his lap, although he’s not obsessed about it. For now, he’s all about helping the club find the right players.
“The style of play is key. You can’t go out there and hope that you’ll
challenge for honours when you don’t have identity,” Zwane highlighted. “Identity is key and will make everyone, from the players to the technical staff, account.
“Everyone will account because they'll know what their role and responsibilities are. What is expected of you as a player, coach or football director. That’s something that’s key
and we’ve neglected that for a long time.
“People must identify themselves with the Chiefs way.
“That will help us as well when we are going for recruitment, looking at players that have tactical abilities and qualities of playing for a team of Chiefs’ calibre.”
Chiefs appear to be supporting
Zwane with all that he needs to rebuild Chiefs. They’ve already re-signed development graduate Zitha Kwinika who was crowned Stellenbosch’s Player of the Season on Tuesday.
Whether Zwane will assume the hot seat or not next season remains a mystery. For now Chiefs’ focus is on winning their last league match against Swallows FC on Saturday.