Jose Riveiro could be emerging as a potential candidate to coach Kaizer Chiefs next season amidst their league struggles and his recent departure from Al Ahly. Picture: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
It wasn’t too long ago that there was a glimmer of hope that Kaizer Chiefs could challenge for the Betway Premiership title, but inevitably those aspirations have disappeared only to be replaced with speculation about who might be best to lead the club next season.
To understand the current coaching structure at Chiefs, you have to go back to the departure of Nasreddine Nabi in September, not long into the new league season which began in August.
In fact, Nabi missed Chiefs’ first match of the season to attend to a family emergency as his wife was involved in a car accident.
Less than a month later, Chiefs confirmed Nabi’s exit, and his assistants, which he brought to the club as part of his technical team when he began his tenure— Cedric Kaze and Khali Ben Youssef— were left in charge as co-coaches.
Since then, Chiefs appeared to be league contenders earlier this year. At the end of January, with their 1-0 win away at Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein over Marumo Gallants, AmaKhosi moved into second place on the log with 30 points after 15 games.
At the time, only Sundowns were ahead of Chiefs with 32 points.
However, after four more games, Chiefs have collected just three more points and now lie fifth.
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates lead the way with 48 points, with Mamelodi Sundowns a point behind.
That’s why former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro’s shock axing at Al Ahly after 96 days in charge may just be perfect timing for Chiefs.
If they are quick to act, they could easily entice Riveiro back to South Africa, and it would have the added bonus of upsetting the Pirates faithful.
Of course, Chiefs have not made any official statements about being unhappy with Kaze and Ben Youssef, but these things tend to happen in the blink of an eye in SA football.
It’s a good idea then to keep an eye out for breaking news, and that may just be coming about Riveiro.
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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