BREAKING: Kaizer Chiefs appoint Giovanni Solinas as their new head coach

Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed the appointment of Italian Giovanni Solinas as the club’s newest coach ahead of the 2018/19 campaign. 

Amakhosi have been on the hunt for a new coach ever since the departure of Steve Komphela. The former Chiefs player resigned after the Soweto giants went a third season without silverware.

In the weeks and months running up to the announcement, several names were bandied about as Chiefs looked to rope in a new mentor.

Coaches such as Patrice Carteron, who signed for Al Ahly, Free State Stars coach Luc Eymael and Township Rollers' coach Nikola Kavazovic, were all linked with the job.

Current Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter was also touted for a possible return to Naturena.

However, the club took to their social media accounts on Friday, to make the surprise announcement of Solinas’ appointment.

The 50-year-old is certainly no stranger to South African football, having previously been at the helm of fellow Premier Soccer League (PSL) Free State Stars, before departing in January of 2017.

Solinas will be required to steer Chiefs back to the glory days as they compete on several fronts including in the Caf Confederation Cup.

The Italian-born coach though, comes with a gluttony of African experience, having previously coached in Algeria, most notably with ES Setif.

He was most recently on the books of Saudi Arabian club Al Faisaly, but parted ways with the club in the middle 2017.

Meanwhile, Solinas’ first order of business will be to take charge of Chiefs’ pre-season.

Chiefs have  been undergoing their preparations for the upcoming season under the watchful eyes of caretaker coach Patrick Mabedi and Arthur Zwane. 

Solinas will get the first chance to see what he has at his disposal as Chiefs take to the field on Saturday in the annual Maize Cup.