Kaizer Chiefs closing in on new coach, says Bobby Motaung

Kaizer Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung has revealed that they're close to appointing a new coach for the club.

Amakhosi haven't had a coach since Steve Komphela's departure in April, and while Patrick Mabedi expressed his desire to continue serving the club in that capacity after holding it down in the final few games of the season, indications are that the management is looking for someone else to fill the position. 

According to Motaung, Chiefs have received 15-20 applications which they have narrowed down to just six as they look to find the perfect candidate for the job. 

He said they're on the verge of finalising everything, before adding that whoever comes in must be a good coach for Chiefs - someone with experience and class among other things. 

Chiefs have already been linked with several high-profile coaches, including Gavin Hunt, Nikola Kavazovic, Avram Grant, Mick McCarthy and Patrice Carteron among others. 

“There is a shortlist. We‘ve had a lot of coaches that have fished – there are about 15-20 coaches’ CV's that we’ve received, but we have shortlisted it. We are now on the verge of finalising the man that we feel will carry the club and take it forward. We have about six coaches remaining," Motaug told the media on Monday night.  

“It’s a process, and there are meetings and committees where we sit and analyse and interact, and obviously give views and inputs,” added Motaung. 

“We’re looking at a good coach for Chiefs; a great man for Chiefs. We’ve got a criteria which we will announce later,” explained Motaung.

“For now, definitely, we are looking at a quality coach for the club. Someone with experience, class, credentials and who understands the landscape and the brand,” said the Amakhosi football manager. 

Given the club's lack of success in terms of trophies over the past three seasons, whoever Chiefs bring in ahead of next season will be expected to hit the ground running. 

It remains to be seen if Mabedi will be retained by the club for the new season, especially because he still has a year left on his contract, while technical advisor Rob Hutting will see his contract expire at the end of June.