Ibenge's Name Thrown In The Hat
It has now become clear that while Arthur Zwane has survived the initial chopping block that appeared inevitable following an under-achieving season, Kaizer Chiefs is determined to bring in an experienced coach to work with him next season.
This became apparent when the club issued a statement underlying their vote of confidence in Mangethe, but appeared to have done a 360-degree somersault as they are alleged to have approached a couple of other top coaches across the continent. Several names have been bandied about and linked to the Amakhosi coaching job, with Soccer Laduma also receiving additional names the club's management are apparently courting.
The Siya crew has been reliably informed that not just Manqoba Mngqithi, Steve Komphela, Molefi Ntseki and, more recently, current Yanga coach Nasreddine Nabi, but a former DR Congo national team coach's name has also come into the spotlight. Florent Ibenge quit his post as coach of DR Congo as well as Vita Sport, whom he coached simultaneously, and took up the job of head coach of crack Moroccan side RS Berkane, a club he led to CAF Confederation Cup success during the 2021/22 season, beating Orlando Pirates in the final. He then resigned and is currently coach of Sudanese side Al-Hilal, who lost and drew with Mamelodi Sundowns during the group stage of the CAF Champions League.
According to Siya sources, his name has also cropped up among candidates earmarked for the co-coaching or technical advisor job at Naturena. This is a clear indication that while Chiefs remain loyal and supportive to Zwane, they have also admitted that he needed an experienced mentor to work with if they are to regain their pride and desist from strolling where even angels fear to tread.
Why Nabi's Move To Naturena Could Be In Doubt
As reported by the Siya crew last week, Kaizer Chiefs have made enquiries into the availability of Young Africans head coach Nasreddine Nabi. Nasri has impressed thoroughly in his time with the Tanzanian outfit, winning five trophies, including a treble last season, since taking over the hotseat in 2021. He has also won two trophies so far this season, although he lost out on the CAF Confederation Cup to USM Alger over two legs.
Soccer Laduma reported that Amakhosi had set up a meeting with the Belgian coach, who is of Tunisian descent, over the possibility of taking over from Arthur Zwane, who, by his own admission, struggled in his maiden season in the hotseat. Word reaching this publication is that Nabi will see his contract with Yanga come to an end on June 30, effectively making him a free agent from July, although there is contrasting information suggesting his contract, in fact, expires a year later.
The latest information reaching the Siya crew's desk is that the former Al Ahli Benghazi, Al Hilal and Ismaily manager has opened talks with the Glamour Boys about taking over the post, though he is in two minds over whether he should take up the job. According to sources in Tanzania, the coach was considering taking a sabbatical following his exploits in Tanzania over the last two years, although the proposition of managing one of Africa's biggest teams could see him change his mind.
Chiefs finished the 2022/23 season in fifth place on the DStv Premiership standings under Zwane, which was seemingly not good enough for the club's hierarchy, who have already began talks with his possible replacement.
Is Nabi the right choice to coach Chiefs?
