Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly identified Pitso Mosimane as their first choice to take over the head coach reigns on a full-time basis. Molefi Ntseki was recently parted ways with the club, leading to the announcement of Head of Academy, Cavin Johnson as their interim head coach of the first team on Monday. Insiders at the club have revealed that the Amakhosi have identified Mosimane, who is currently coaching Al Wahda in the UAE, as their preferred candidate.
Mosimane is credited for transforming Mamelodi Sundowns into one of Africa’s strongest teams, winning the Caf Champions League with them in 2016 and then the domestic treble before leaving for Egypt.
The highly respected coach had previously denied rumours of a Chiefs approach, however the club have not given up hope of attracting him this time, despite the complications of his current contract.
A source close to the club said, “Kaizer Chiefs are seriously considering Pitso (Mosimane) at this moment. Yes, they are aware of the complications as he is currently attached to another team.”
The source added, “They have discussed it and they are convinced he would be the one to change the fortunes at the club for the better. They are looking at his contract at his current team and to see what could happen from there.”
The challenge of landing Mosimane’s signature is his lucrative salary in the UAE and the financial strength of other clubs on the continent. Chiefs’ top earning coaches have historically cashed in on either side of R10 million, so the club may have to break the bank if they are to sit at the negotiating table.
On the other hand, Mosimane could be attracted by a long term vision of strengthening the Chiefs team in a similar direction he had achieved at Sundowns, and to be known as the coach who could bring back the glory days at Amakhosi.
The second source stated that the relationship between the current interim head coach Johnson and Mosimane could be a driving factor in convincing him to join.
“They have a very good understanding. They worked together at Al Ahly in Egypt and they did very well. Maybe it’s him who even brought up that idea. We are not sure. But for now coach Pitso is the first priority they are looking at,” said the source.
Kaizer Chiefs have yet to comment on the matter.
