By Ongama Gcwabe.
As Kaizer Chiefs continue their search for a new head coach, former midfielder and club legend Reneilwe Letsholonyane reiterated the importance of finding a coach with a good understanding of the club’s magnitude and the expectations that come with coaching such a club.
What Chiefs Need
Three names have surfaced since Kaizer Chiefs began their search for a new head coach, including the highly decorated Pitso Mosimane, Manqoba Mngqithi, and Frenchman Fernando Da Cruz.
Da Cruz was part of the Chiefs technical team during coach Nasreddine Nabi’s short tenure and has also been the head coach of the Moroccan giants, AS FAR.
The Frenchman is currently in South Africa, and it seems the talks are ongoing behind the scenes between him and Kaizer Chiefs, as the team’s Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr, was seen at OR Tambo International Airport to welcome the candidate.
Moreover, Mngqithi and Mosimane’s names have also been thrown into the conversation.
Both bring experience, knowledge of how South African football operates, and a proven track record, having won multiple trophies in the past.
While Kaizer Chiefs are yet to announce their new signing for the head coach role, Letsholonyane believes that the club needs a coach with an acute understanding of just how big a club Chiefs is and the expectations that come with occupying the hot seat.
“(Chiefs need) a coach who obviously understands the culture of the team. A coach who understands the magnitude of the team and the calibre of the team,” Letsholonyane told SportsBoom.co.za.
“(Chiefs need) a coach who understands that Chiefs supporters have high expectations and are only happy when the team is winning, playing well and then winning trophies. So, as long as the coach understands that, I think he will then do well for the club.”
Nr 3 Is Not Enough
The Chiefs further outlined their search for a coach by letting go of co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, who had taken over the reins following the sacking of Nabi.
Despite taking the club to number three in the log 2025/26 season standings, their first top-eight finish in three seasons, the co-coaches were let go.
Letsholonyane, having played for Chiefs for many years, understands that the club’s supporters and its management are not a bunch who will celebrate a number three spot in the league.
The 43-year-old outlined that the club has very high ambitions, a feat that any coach must take on board when they take over as head coach.
“Kaizer Chiefs is an ambitious club, and the expectations are very high. For a person who coaches Kaizer Chiefs, being number three is not enough,” he said.
“Chiefs is a big club that is used to winning trophies, and they want to get back to that level.”
Letsholonyane wished well to any coach that may take over, whether Chiefs opt for a foreign coach or a local coaching talent.
“Anyone who comes in to help players improve and helps the team play well, get results, win trophies, I’m in support of such a coach,” he said.
“I’m a coach as well, a young coach, and all I can say is that I love to see the club do well. Whether it’s a local coach or a foreigner or whatever, I would want to see the club do well.”