Kaizer Chiefs’ decision to appoint Molefi Ntseki as their head coach has been met with some disapproval from fans, legends and analysts. Joshua Gaillard discuses 5 tings he must get right….
The appointment of Molefi Ntseki as the new Kaizer Chiefs head coach came as a shock to most of the South African footballing world. This is partly because many had speculated the appointment of Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi, who had just completed another treble-winning season with Young Africans of Tanzania.
With many of the AmaKhosi faithful unhappy with the appointment of the 53-year-old, there are five things he must do to cement his position at the helm of the nations most beloved club.
𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦
— #UNPLAYABLE (@UnplayableZA) June 28, 2023
Kaizer Chiefs have appointed Molefi Ntseki as the new Head Coach of the first team, effective immediately.#UNPLAYABLE pic.twitter.com/y1cRGyRSq7
First and foremost, WIN!
Ntseki takes over at Kaizer Chiefs who have failed to obtain silverware since 2015. Coaches who have vastly more experience and pedigree in South Africa’s top-flight league have failed to get their hands on a trophy.
The likes of Steve Komphela, Ernst Middendorp, Gavin Hunt, and Stuart Baxter have failed alongside international appointment of Giovanni Solinas. While Ntseki takes the reigns, his predecessor, Arthur Zwane, gets demoted to assistant coach, so the progression can happen smoothly should things head south, as well as liaise directly on how to build from last season.
The pressure of Zwane to win trophies is not as immense as Ntseki’s, as the young manager was labeled as a project by the board and media alike. While winning matches is always the goal, a trophy is of utmost importance to Molefi despite Chiefs having the worst season since the competition conceived in 1996 – 12 losses.
Improve working relationships
The relationships between coaching staff and players are of the utmost importance for success, likewise, coaching staff must be of the same mind to relay the plans for a team to progress effectively.
Ntseki is known to have a good working relationship with his predecessor, Zwane. During his time as Bafana Bafana head coach, Molefi brought Zwane in as his assistant.
Many have been of the opinion that Zwane’s age and leadership among senior players played a part in a torrid season, but a senior figure like Ntseki alongside Zwane could be the key to success.
Recruit the right players
Kaizer Chiefs have money to bully the rest of the PSL and pick choose and refuse who to acquire for the upcoming season. Every year a host of players are brought in but most fail to deliver.
The year Komphela joined, 10 players were brought in and none inspired victory. When Zwane was named head coach, many young talented players from across the country were roped in, and while they didn’t completely fail to impress, they lacked consistency.
Just a few days after the appointment of Ntseki, six new additions were made to the Soweto giants’ payroll and are likely not handpicked by the new coach but still possess quality.
The departures of aging players like Eric Mathoho, Pathutshedzo Nange, Cole Alexander and Siyabonga Ngezana has made way for Ranga Chivaviro, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Given Msimango and Mduduzi Mdantsane.
More interestingly, a South American acquisition of Venezuelan national Edson Daniel Castillo Garcia joins alongside what should be the fan favourite Pule Mmodi from Golden Arrows.
𝗞𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗗 ✌️
— #UNPLAYABLE (@UnplayableZA) July 3, 2023
Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed the signing of 6 new players.
Pule Mmodi (3 years)
Ranga Chivaviro (2 years)
Edson Castillo (2 years)
Thatayaone Ditlhokwe (4 years)
Mduduzi Mdantsane (3 years)
Given Msimango (4 years)#PSLTransfers #UNPLAYABLE pic.twitter.com/vTSIXfGznn
Establish a winning mentality
Kaizer Chiefs have endured an arduous season, suffering their most defeats in a PSL season to date, but their recent pain is not a one season blunder.
A 2019 Nedbank Cup final loss to then First Division side TS Galaxy, alongside a sensational collapse, allowing Mamelodi Sundowns to snatch the PSL title on the last day, has dented the mentality at the club.
Out with some of the old faces, in with some new and most importantly a new coach to garner a willingness to impress for a spot in the starting XI. Many might criticize the fact that Ntseki has no experience in the top fight, but he has won before and fought for success under immense pressure.
His career began in 1998, winning promotion to the NFD with Welkom Stars in 2000, and also served as Bafana head coach narrowly missing out on AFCON finals qualification. A long period of pain, many changes and a willingness to fight under fresh leadership might be the perfect recipe.
Get the best out of players
The acquisitions of Keagan Dolly, Khama Billiat and Leonardo Castro brought a sense of excitement for everyone in the South African football fraternity but more so for the fans, but this trio almost instantly disappointed.
Njabulo Ngcobo put on the black and gold with a reputation as the best defender in the league just to lose his spot as a Bafana Bafana player, and even academy graduates with heaps of potential tarnished their names whilst playing for the first team.
Ntseki has a lot to do as the new head coach and if he is able to instill a consistent palying style with good working relationships, getting the best out of the players will become a byproduct.
And with a little luck preceded by planning and hard work, good times could return to the AmaKhosi nation.
