Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Katlego 'Killer' Mphela has offered his perspective on what it will take for Amakhosi to elevate their performances in the coming seasons.
In an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma, the Bafana Bafana legend emphasized the need for the club to consider appointing either renowned local coaches Pitso Mosimane, Gavin Hunt, or to explore options for an international coach.
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Mphela, reflecting on the coaching landscape in South Africa, pointed out that among local options, only Mosimane and Hunt possess the calibre to steer Chiefs in the right direction.
However, he also noted the potential benefits of bringing in a foreign coach, drawing on the club's historical success under such leadership.
"For me the best coach to change things at Chiefs should be a foreign coach. That's how it works with Chiefs. Even if you look at their history the times they did very well was always when they had a foreign coach, mainly from Europe," Mphela told the Siya crew.
Taking into account Hunt's previous tenure and dismissal from Chiefs during a FIFA club ban that restricted player signings, Mphela believes in the transformative impact a coach like Mosimane could have.
"They should look and chose a coach who will suit what they need for short term and long term plans. But if they can't get a European coach then they should go for Pitso (Mosimane). He knows how to change a team. Look at how he found us at Sundowns.
"We were number 13 on the log and he changed things. At the end of the season he told us that he will be bringing in new players as he wants three players in every position to increase the level of competition at the team.
"If he can do the same at Chiefs then things will change. Actually if I were in charge of Kaizer Chiefs I would make Pitso the first priority. That would mean the team is serious," he added, highlighting Mosimane's ability to foster competition and improve team dynamics.
If acquiring Mosimane or a European coach proves unfeasible, Mphela still sees value in giving Hunt another opportunity, this time with the freedom to build his squad.
"I still believe Hunt can do the job at Chiefs. When he went there in the first place Chiefs were in a FIFA ban and he couldn't sign the players he wanted. But if he can have the chance to sign the players he wants then he can change the team. He reached the CAF Champions League semifinals with a makeshift squad.
"Imagine if he has a great squad of his own players that he has signed? They would go far and do well even locally. I could have added Manqoba Mngqithi but I don't think Manqoba will leave Sundowns.
"He is happy there and the team is doing well. They tried Steve Komphela and things didn't work and that's why I am saying they have to go with a foreign coach or Pitso Mosimane," Mphela explained.
Mphela's insights come amid reports from Soccer Laduma that Chiefs have shortlisted several European coaches, including Spaniard Raul Caneda, Portuguese Rui Vitoria, Belgian Patrick Aussems and Brazilian Alexandre Gallo, as potential candidates to take the helm.
Mphela's recommendations for Chiefs' coaching future reflect a blend of respect for local coaching talent and an appreciation for the impact of international expertise.
