WeeklySA_AdminTARGET: Riveiro, Mosimane, McCarthy and Da Cruz among names linked with potential Amakhosi coaching changes…
By Obakeng Meletse
Pressure is mounting at Kaizer Chiefs following a season marked by inconsistency, with speculation intensifying about the future of the club’s co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.
While Amakhosi have not publicly indicated any immediate plans to make changes to their technical bench, reports suggest the club could be evaluating potential alternatives should results fail to improve.
Chiefs have struggled to keep pace with title contenders Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, and frustration among supporters has become increasingly visible in recent weeks.
Against this backdrop, several high-profile coaching names have begun circulating in football circles as possible candidates should the club decide to make a change.
Jose Riveiro
One name gaining attention is former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro.
Although not widely linked to the role previously, the Spanish tactician has built a strong reputation for his work with Pirates, where he helped restore competitiveness and guided the club to several domestic cup triumphs.
Riveiro’s structured tactical approach and emphasis on organisation have been widely credited with stabilising Pirates during a challenging period. Those qualities could make him an appealing option for a Chiefs side seeking consistency and long-term rebuilding.
Should such a move materialise, Riveiro would join a small group of coaches who have managed both Soweto giants, with Vladimir Vermezovic and Kosta Papic among those who previously crossed the divide.
“Jose did well for Pirates and if you remember correctly he found them struggling after a couple of seasons without silverware,” a source close to the situation told SportsBoom.
Pitso Mosimane
Another name regularly mentioned in discussions around the Chiefs job is Pitso Mosimane.
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most accomplished coaches, Mosimane built a dominant era at Mamelodi Sundowns before going on to achieve continental success with Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly. His ability to manage high-pressure environments and build competitive teams capable of winning major trophies could make him a strong candidate if Chiefs opt for an experienced leader to guide a rebuilding process.
According to the source, Mosimane’s profile fits the type of coach Chiefs may require should they decide to overhaul their technical setup.
“If they go with Pitso, he specialises in rebuilding clubs that are struggling,” the source said.
“He did it with Sundowns, he went to Al Ahly when they were not doing well and rebuilt them. It was the same during his time in the Middle East.”
However, the financial implications could prove a stumbling block.
“He has said he loves the club, but it will depend on whether Chiefs can afford him and whether they would be willing to allow him to bring his full technical team,” the source added.
Benni McCarthy and Fernando Da Cruz
Former Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy has also been linked to the position.
McCarthy, who has built his reputation as a demanding and results-driven coach, is believed to be interested in the role. However, some observers question whether he would be the right fit for a club that may require a longer-term rebuilding project.
“Chiefs need a builder, and another name linked with the job is Benni McCarthy,” the source said. “He wants the job, but one thing about him is that he is not necessarily a builder — he is a winner.”
Another option could emerge in the form of Fernando Da Cruz.
The French-born coach has previously been part of the Chiefs technical structure and is believed to remain in contact with the club. His familiarity with the environment could make him an appealing internal option if the club prefers continuity.
Da Cruz previously worked as an assistant to Nasreddine Nabi during the early stages of the Tunisian coach’s tenure at the club, meaning his football philosophy may align closely with existing tactical frameworks.
However, questions remain over whether he would be the right figure to lead one of South Africa’s biggest clubs through a critical rebuilding phase.
Uncertain Future
For now, Chiefs have made no official announcement regarding the future of Ben Youssef and Kaze. But with expectations at Naturena always high and pressure from supporters continuing to grow, speculation around the club’s next coaching move is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Whether the club opts for an experienced continental winner, a proven tactical organiser, or a familiar internal figure, the decision could play a crucial role in determining Chiefs’ trajectory in the seasons ahead. – Fullview
