Kaizer Chiefs may be preparing to make a key technical team addition as part of their ongoing restructuring under head coach Nasreddine Nabi, with strong indications that experienced youth mentor Vela Khumalo could be promoted to the senior setup.
Sources close to Naturena have suggested that discussions are underway regarding the possible elevation of Khumalo from his role within the club's development structures to join the first-team bench as part of Nabi’s support staff.
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While no official confirmation has come from the club, insiders close to the situation believe Chiefs are looking to harness Khumalo’s vast experience and winning pedigree, especially after his success with South African national youth teams.
“It’s something that’s been talked about internally. Vela is highly respected at the club and within South African football. He’s someone who knows the Chiefs culture well and has achieved a lot with national junior teams,” a source close to the situation told the Siya crew.
Khumalo has led South Africa’s youth teams to several regional and continental honours, and is well known for his tactical acumen and ability to nurture talent – qualities that may align well with Nabi’s vision for a refreshed and competitive Amakhosi squad.
The Tunisian tactician is continuing with his work at Naturena with a fresh mandate to restore the club’s identity and bring back silverware after a decade-long drought, having already delivered the Nedbank Cup last season.
Strengthening the technical team with someone familiar with the club’s inner workings, and local football at large, could be a strategic move.
Promoting from within would also send a strong message about continuity and belief in the club’s existing structures, especially as Chiefs continue to emphasize youth development as part of their long-term rebuild.
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Whether or not the move materialises remains to be seen, but the possibility of Khumalo stepping up to assist Nabi is already creating quiet excitement among some at Naturena, especially given his track record of producing players who have gone on to shine at senior level.
Should the speculation come to pass, it would mark a significant show of faith in homegrown coaching talent at a time when Chiefs are under pressure to get things right both on and off the pitch.
