After a tumultuous couple of weeks for Kaizer Chiefs and with Orlando Pirates shaping up to be Mamelodi Sundowns’ biggest threat, are Chiefs in danger of being left behind? DEAN WORKMAN explores.
Over the past few weeks, the Glamour Boys have been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. After losing to Free State Stars in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals, the Amakhosi faithful sparked a wave of violence and hooliganism at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The unruly fans grabbed attention as they vandalised the stadium and broadcasting equipment, and attacked security guards, the players and officials.
In the wake of the disappointing result, subsequent hooliganism and abuse by his own supporters, Chiefs’ head coach Steve Komphela stepped down. His resignation brought an end to his three-year trophyless reign.
What makes the situation ever tougher for the Naturena-based side is the re-emergence of their bitter rivals Orlando Pirates as the team who looks likely to challenge newly crowned champions Sundowns in years to come.
The Buccaneers are a side transformed under Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic. After a couple of really disappointing campaigns, including finishing 11th in the 2016-17 season, the Serbian coach – along with assistant coach Rhulani Mokwena – has changed the mood around the camp.
The Sea Robbers played some of the most attractive football this campaign and did well to push Pitso Mosimane’s charges all the way in the race to win the Absa Premiership.
Despite playing down his team’s title credentials all season, Pirates have secured a second-place finish and coach Micho has already promised the Brazilians that his team will offer them a sterner test next season.
All the signs point to Pirates having a title charge next year, but their emergence as Masandawana’s main rivals has cast a huge shadow over the Amakhosi.
Departed coach Komphela often spoke of his process at Chiefs and how he was building a team for the future. But after three years without a trophy and not looking any closer to winning one, is this team really the future of Chiefs or is another rebuild on the way?
Chiefs are yet to appoint a new head coach and face a really tough decision on their hands. Do they go with a man who will continue on the long-term path set in place by Komphela or will they bring in a coach who will rip it all up and start again?
Whatever decision the Chiefs’ board take, they will be mindful of the dangers of falling behind their rivals. The longer this trophy drought continues, the more pressure and focus will be placed on the Chiefs’ playing and coaching staff.
If the new boss can’t hit the ground running and is hit by a fan backlash similar to what Komphela faced, where will Chiefs then turn to?
