Arthur Zwane backed for sensational Kaizer Chiefs return – ‘He can bring back the glory days’

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Lebohang Mokoena has thrown his support behind Arthur Zwane, suggesting the AmaZulu coach is the right man to make a stunning comeback to the Kaizer Chiefs hot seat.

With the season drawing to a close, Amakhosi are widely expected to overhaul their technical team. The club is currently managed by co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, who took over from Nasreddine Nabi just two months into the current campaign.

However, their tenure is only guaranteed until the end of the season. A strong finish could persuade the club’s management to offer them new contracts, but if the hierarchy at Naturena decides to continue its search for a new head coach, the pair might be reassigned or depart.

Several high-profile names, including veteran tactician Pitso Mosimane and Kenya national team coach Benni McCarthy, have been linked with the demanding job. Now, Mokoena has added Zwane’s name to the list of potential candidates.

AmaZulu coach nurtured key Kaizer Chiefs stars

Zwane is a figure deeply woven into the fabric of Kaizer Chiefs, with 22 years of service as both a player and a coach. As a skillful winger, he scored 32 goals in 252 appearances, winning 12 major trophies between 2000 and 2010, including two league titles and the CAF Cup Winners’ Cup.

After retiring in 2010, he transitioned into coaching, initially as an assistant before taking charge of the club’s youth development programme in 2012. During his four seasons with the academy, he was instrumental in nurturing a generation of talent, including Siyabonga Ngezana, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, and Njabulo Blom, leading the reserve team to victory in the inaugural Multichoice Diski Shield in 2018.

Despite his deep roots at the club, Zwane’s first spell as head coach was largely unsuccessful. However, he has since silenced his critics with an impressive run at AmaZulu. Usuthu are currently fourth in the league standings, just five points behind third-placed Chiefs, and are in contention for a top-three finish and a spot in a CAF competition.

Why Mokoena wants Zwane back at Naturena

Mokoena believes Zwane’s performance at AmaZulu, achieved with limited resources, proves he is ready for a second chance at Chiefs.

“I think coach Arthur has proved himself at AmaZulu,” Mokoena stated on SoccerBeat as quoted by FARPost. “He needed more time [at Chiefs], and the team was very impatient when it came to local coaches. So I think if they can get coach Arthur to come back.”

Mokoena highlighted Zwane’s history with the club’s younger players and his intrinsic understanding of its culture as key advantages.

“He has worked with most of those youngsters; he knows the culture of the team,” Mokoena added. “The results speak for themselves. He is right behind Kaizer Chiefs with a team that nobody expected to be in the top four. If he is given a two or three-year opportunity again at Kaizer Chiefs, I’m sure he can bring back the glory days.”