Kaizer Chiefs' search for a new head coach became more complicated than expected, according to insiders privy to information, discussing factors taken into consideration with the short list.
On Friday Soccer Laduma reported how Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi was in talks with Amakhosi, and he seemed like the preferred option to take over from interim coach Cavin Johnson for the new season.
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Now, insiders at Chiefs have indicated that the coaching parameters were questioned when two other contenders, Pitso Mosimane and Alexandre Santos also became available, along with Nabi.
Throughout the recently completed season, the Siya crew had already reported how Mosimane was Chiefs' first choice, but he was on his way to saving Abha Club from relegation when they had surprisingly lost their last match in the Saudi Pro League to Al Hazm 2-1, resulting in Mosimane's men dropping out of the top flight.
The sources added that the situation became particularly tangled when Santos, who recently led Petro de Luanda to three consecutive Angolan league titles, became a free agent.
"Chiefs were in advanced talks with coach Nabi because they thought coach Santos will renew his contract in Angola. Both coaches are proven winners and that was then putting pressure on the final selection of the next coach," the Siya source stated.
A second Siya source highlighted the club's desire to secure a coach promptly to avoid a repeat of last year's scenario, which saw them having to settle for Molefi Ntseki after initially targeting Nabi.
"They were in advanced talks with coach Nabi because they didn't want what happened last year to happen when they ended up with Molefi Ntseki while Nabi was the first choice. So, despite looking at Pitso and Santos they wanted to be sure that they have a coach by next week and Nabi was readily available. Now, both coach Pitso and Santos are also available. And mind you, coach Santos didn't renew his contract in Angola because he had the belief that he could be Kaizer Chiefs' next coach. Now, where does that put him?" the second Siya source concluded.
Santos, at the age of 47, boasts an impressive resume with three league titles, two Angolan Cups, and one Super Cup to his name. This pedigree made him an attractive option for Amakhosi too, who are eager to return to winning ways.
As the club navigates this pivotal decision, the outcome will undoubtedly have a significant impact on Chiefs' future trajectory. Despite Santos' availability, the Siya crew understands that Nabi is still the favourite to be chosen as Amakhosi's next head coach.
On Monday, Soccer Laduma reported how Santos revealed his talks with Chiefs and how a deal was unlikely.
Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs for comment but no response was received by the time this report was published.
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