Who will lead Kaizer Chiefs? What they said about Amakhosi job

Kaizer Chiefs are set for a new coach after, reportedly, parting ways with Nasreddine Nabi.

The Tunisian served the club for the entire 2024/25 campaign, before the speculated chnages just six games into the new campaign. The Soweto giants have not yet made the exit official but currently, the team is under his assistants Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef.

The announcement is imminent; all indications suggest so. As speculation swirls, several high-profile names have been linked to the vacant role, some with deep ties to South African football, others with unfinished business at Naturena.

But what have these coaches actually said about Kaizer Chiefs in the past? We take a closer look at the men in the conversation, and their own words about the club.

Jose Riveiro – ‘I will NEVER coach any other team in SA‘

The former Orlando Pirates head coach has made his stance crystal clear. Despite his growing reputation and success in the DStv Premiership, Riveiro has ruled out any possibility of switching allegiances.

“No, never [that he will consider coaching any other team in SA in the future]. Once [and] always. I will never coach any other team in SA, Ama Buccaneer [for life]. Pirates is the only club that I could have the motivation, the courage and the energy and the heart, in this case, to coach in this country, no doubt.” – Jose Riveiro, May 2025, SowetanLIVE

Verdict: Not a candidate. His loyalty to Pirates is unwavering.

Pitso Mosimane – ‘Why not coach Kaizer Chiefs?‘

Arguably the most decorated South African coach of the modern era, Pitso Mosimane has never hidden his admiration for Kaizer Chiefs. While he’s often been linked to the job, he’s also been clear that he’s open to it, if the timing and project are right.

“We should respect the brand; it is a big brand. When the Chiefs play, I go to the grandstand and watch. I don’t need that. If it is meant to be, it will be there. I declare to you officially on TV. I am here, I am available, I’m a professional coach. If it has to be, it will be. Do I want to coach Kaizer Chiefs? Why not? Why not coach Kaizer Chiefs? Why not?” – Pitso Mosimane on Soccer Africa, 2024

Verdict: A top contender. Open, available, and highly respected.

Benni McCarthy – ‘There was a cry from everybody…‘

Benni McCarthy has long been a fan favourite for the Chiefs job, and he’s made no secret of his frustration at being overlooked in the past. Despite near-misses, he remains interested.

“After coach Gavin Hunt left Kaizer Chiefs, there was a possibility that I could have gotten the job, but never did. Just before coach Nabi, there was an opportunity. There was a cry from everybody, but I never got it because for whatever reason.” – Benni McCarthy

Verdict: Still interested. Could be a bold, fan-pleasing appointment.

Gavin Hunt – ‘I don’t regret it‘

The former Chiefs coach reflects on his time at the club with a mix of pride and disappointment. Hunt believes he could have taken the team further if given more time.

“Very disappointing for me because, you know, in my time in the 80s they were the biggest club. They are still the biggest club in South Africa in terms of support base. But for me, it was the wrong time, the wrong place. It was a forced move… I said to them the team needs an overhaul and if you allow me to do it then it’s the right project for me. They said ‘perfect’. We agreed, ‘let’s get through this year’… and I got fired with two matches to go. I was so upset about that.” – Gavin Hunt, iDiski Times interview

Verdict: A known quantity. Could return if Chiefs want stability and experience.

Manqoba Mngqithi – iThere was never any approach‘

Often linked to the job, Mngqithi has clarified that he’s never been formally approached by Chiefs, but he hasn’t ruled it out either.

“There was never any talks with Kaizer Chiefs. I always hear people saying I refused to take the Chiefs job, but it's just rumours. There was never anything, there was never an approach [from Chiefs].” – Manqoba Mngqithi on MSW, December 2024

Verdict: A tactician with Sundowns pedigree. Could be a surprise pick.

Final Word

Kaizer Chiefs find themselves at a crossroads once again. With a passionate fanbase, a rich history, and a desperate need for silverware, the next appointment could define the club’s trajectory for years to come.

Whether they go for a proven winner like Pitso, a fan favourite like Benni, or a returning figure like Hunt, one thing is certain: the next coach must not only understand the weight of the badge but also be ready to restore the club’s glory.