By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kaizer Chiefs Football Club have announced the appointment of French-born coach Olivier Sorin as their new goalkeeper coach.
Sorin, who holds a UEFA Goalkeeper A Licence, arrives at Naturena from French side Rennes and has a proven track record of developing top-level international goalkeepers, including Édouard Mendy and Steve Mandanda.
His arrival is a major boost for the technical team, which has been reshaped ahead of the new season to help the club reclaim its dominance in South African football.
The club statement read as follows:
“Kaizer Chiefs have appointed Olivier Sorin as the Club’s new goalkeeper coach. He has signed a two-year contract with an option for a further year,” the club announced via a statement.
“The former professional goalkeeper, now a seasoned coach, holds a UEFA Goalkeeper A Licence.”
“Over the past decade, Sorin has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of several international goalkeepers, including Édouard Mendy, Steve Mandanda, Doğan Alemdar, among many others.”
“Born in France, Sorin has now arrived in South Africa to join the Amakhosi technical team, which will be led by newly appointed head coach Fernando da Cruz.”
The club also announced the appointment of Dillion Shepperd as second assistant to new coach Fernando da Cruz.
Sheppard is not new to the assistant coach role at Chiefs, having previously understudied Gavin Hunt, Molefi Ntseki, Arthur Zwane and Cavin Johnson. He was also called to assist Ben Youssef and Kaze last season as Chiefs endured a bad patch, which threatened their top-eight chances last campaign.
Chiefs meanwhile have officially confirmed their first departure ahead of the upcoming campaign, parting ways with midfielder George Matlou, as well as Happy Mashiane.
While their next destination remains unconfirmed, the talented duo will look to secure new clubs, with the domestic season scheduled to kick off on 2 August 2026.