As previously reported by the Siya crew, the Naturena side has been keen on Spanish mentor Raul Caneda, and according to reports in the local media Portuguese coach Rui Vitoria is a serious contender in the club's short list.
READ: How Stellies Plan To Keep Downs Co Away From Rayners
Now, recent developments suggest a potential shift in focus, with Vitoria emerging as a strong competitor to Caneda.
Siya sources close to the matter have indicated that Vitoria, fresh from coaching Egypt at the recent Africa Cup of Nations, is now being favoured for the role. With a track record of achievement and innovative tactics, Vitoria is seen as a potential catalyst to rejuvenate the fortunes of Amakhosi.
"You know at this stage things are changing regarding the issue of the coach as there are consultations going on between the technical team and management and that is why now the Portuguese coach (Rui Vitoria) is the one on the top of the list. They have looked at what he has achieved and how his team's play. They believe that if given the chance, he could change the fortunes at the club. So as we speak now, he stands a better chance than the Spanish coach Raul Caneda. That's how things are now," the source observed.
A second Siya source emphasized the importance of recent activity in the selection process, highlighting Vitoria's involvement in the Afcon as a factor favoring his candidacy over Caneda.
"Rui (Vitoria) was with Egypt at the Afcon in Ivory Coast earlier this year while Raul (Caneda) has been out of coaching for sometime now and the team is looking at someone who has been active in recent times and he is fresh in the game and that's why they are looking at Vitoria as the one overtaking Caneda right now," the source told Soccer Laduma.
Soccer Laduma reached out to Chiefs for a comment, but no response was received by the time this story was published.
Notably, the 54-year-old Portuguese native boasts a commendable resume, having clinched two Portuguese titles with Benfica and then the Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr before coaching Spartak Moscow in 2021. He then was in the hot seat with Egypt from the year 2022 to 2024.
