The Amakhosi legend spoke exclusively to Soccer Laduma, emphasizing the need for a fresh start after a trophyless run extending over nine seasons, culminating in a disappointing tenth-place finish this year following a 2-0 defeat to the already relegated Cape Town Spurs recently.
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Manqele pinpointed the appointment of a new coach and strategic player recruitment as critical moves to revitalize the team. He stressed the importance of aligning these changes with the club's culture and philosophy to ensure a significant improvement in performance and standards from the next season onwards.
"It's very sad for a team like Kaizer Chiefs to end the season without a trophy once again and at the same time finish outside the top eight. I think it's about time for a fresh start now. They should look at bringing in a coach who will instill the club's culture and philosophy and give back the identity of the team. Chiefs are a big team and we can not go over five seasons without a trophy. Now it's going for 10 seasons without a trophy. That's not Chiefs. Things have to change from next year. The club should bring in players who will fear and respect the badge. That's a big badge. You can't afford not to qualify for the top eight. It's time to sweep clean and start afresh," Manqele told the Siya crew.
Highlighting the need for a comprehensive squad overhaul, Manqele believes that the club must assess and strengthen all areas perceived as lacking.
"If needs be then let there be an overhaul and bring in players needed in each and every department who will take the team away from what it has been and bring in the past glory that Chiefs are associated with. Seriously, this was not a good season at all. I feel like the players didn't rise up to the occasion at times when the club needed them more than anything," he concluded.
Manqele's call to action underscores a critical juncture for Chiefs as they navigate through one of the most challenging periods in the club's illustrious history. With a focus on rebuilding the team's identity and restoring its winning culture, the upcoming seasons will be pivotal in determining whether Amakhosi can indeed turn the tide and start a new chapter of success.
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