Royal AM CEO Sinky Mnisi says the club will go for a top local mentor to replace John Maduka, who left the club last week. Thwihli Thwahla are aiming to get a coach who will continue where the club left off last season after finishing third on the DStv Premiership on their debut season.
“When you lose someone like Maduka, you must get someone above him. At Royal AM, you have to headhunt. There are coaches that we’ve interviewed because what we looking for is something else, the type of football that we playing.
“We don’t want someone who will come here and play helicopter football. We want a coach who will play ‘Thwihli Thwahla’ football,” Mnisi told SNAWA before admitting they had reached out to Malesela’s agent.
“Royal AM must go out on the market and get a coach who understands the culture of Royal AM, that understands the blend of football that will fit and knows South African football. We have to get a coach who is experienced and who has been there and seen it all.”
“The coach will be announced on June 28. There is a target. The president will be back in the country and will be unveiling the new players. Deals will be signed, sealed and put in cardboard.”
FARPost looks at three coaches in the race to take over the hot seat at the MaMkhize-owned club. Pitso Mosimane’s former right-hand-man at Al Ahly Cavin Johnson, initially linked to the job, seems to be out of the race.
FARPost sources have revealed that former Marumo Gallants coach Dan Malesela is a frontrunner for the position, although he has a few options.
Gavin Hunt is also in contention, despite denials by him and Mnisi that they are in talks with the club. The four-time league title winner is also appealing to Royal AM, having led Kaizer Chiefs to the final of the Caf Champions League two seasons ago.
Hunt was axed by Chippa United in December and is available for the job. Similarly, Owen Da Gama, who recently parted ways with Sekhukhune, is immediately available to take over.
He has been touted as a potential replacement as well as the KZN outfit look to move swiftly to appoint their new mentor. However, based on Mnisi’s words, Malesela, known for his attractive brand of football, could be the man to take over at the Durban outfit.
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