OPINION: Kaizer Chiefs’ 4 bold moves that signal intent to turn things around
It’s 5am, and just as I am about to write my opinion piece, the first in as many months, my colleague Tokelo ‘Teekay’ Mokhesi says something in a text that I’m thinking at that moment.
I’m particularly pondering how taverns buzz when Kaizer Chiefs win. And Teekay’s message reads: “The country needs happy Kaizer Chiefs fans”. I’m in complete harmony with his opinion.
South Africa certainly needs a thriving Amakhosi and a flourishing Orlando Pirates. It is a pleasure to see the two teams taking steps to reclaim their former glory. The dominance of Mamelodi Sundowns, going six seasons unstoppable in the league, is certainly not a pleasant sight.
Remember that season when it took a Manuel Kambala goal as Baroka held Chiefs to a 1-1 draw, and Lebo Maboe bagged a hattrick for Sundowns against Black Leopards at Dobsonville Stadium to hand the Brazilians their third straight league title?
Don’t you crave those ‘photo finishes’ to the season? I honestly do. I long for the suspense of the last game of the season when the league title hangs in the balance. Eight years of toil and heartbreak haven’t dampened Chiefs fans’ desire for glory.
You now have the distinct feeling that the long and arduous journey back to the top has indeed commenced. The club’s four bold moves during this transfer window give me confidence that my statement is true. The Chiefs faithful must be feeling a surge of excitement and optimism as they embark on what seems like a new era.
Despite the long road ahead, Amakhosi fans can be inspired by the initial steps the team has taken, which have instilled a confidence that has been lacking for some time.
THE RETURN OF RAINER DINKELACKER
The Soweto giants’ goalkeeping woes were evident last season. Coach Arthur Zwane rotated the goalkeepers quite a lot.
Legendary ex-Chiefs goalie William Shongwe and I had this conversation recently. “The rotation system doesn’t work for goalkeepers but can work for infield players,” Shongwe told me.
His thinking was that the goalkeeping position is a bit delicate and “the more games you play, the more comfortable you feel”.
I get the sense that the handling of Brandon Petersen has been incredible. Even after his howlers, Coach Molefi Ntseki still kept his faith in him. Petersen has been fantastic, only missing the midweek 1-0 defeat to SuperSport United this season.
Most likely, Dinkelacker, who first arrived in Naturena in 1999 with Muhsin Etugral, has greatly influenced Ntseki. His return was indeed a masterstroke.
He possesses a wealth of experience at the highest level, having worked with some of South Africa’s finest goalminders in the mould of Itumeleng Khune, Brian Baloyi, Rowen Fernandez, and Arthur Bartman.
His appointment clearly signals that Chiefs are serious about improving their goalkeeping, which was a weak area for the club last season.
APPOINTING RENOWNED SPORTS PSYCHOLOGIST DR. HENNING
Another bold move by Chiefs was the appointment of a revered sports psychologist, Dr. Henning Gericke, to their technical team as a high-performance coach.
No football team in South Africa has that skill in their technical team. I’m a Manchester United fan, and I remember the day Ralf Rangnick walked into Old Trafford as interim coach after the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The German turned to his sports psychologist, Sascha Lense, to rebuild United’s confidence and end their habits of losing leads.
“For me, it’s only a question of logic. If you have special coaches for goalkeeping, physical and education, even for strikers, for fitness, you also should have an expert for the brain,” said Rangnick at the time.
Chiefs went for the best ‘in the game’. Gericke is a world-renowned sports psychologist with a wealth of experience in elite sports. He has worked with several top South African teams, including the Springboks, Bafana Bafana, Proteas and the Sharks.
For me, his appointment says Chiefs are taking the mental well-being of their players seriously and are committed to creating a winning environment. The holder of a PhD in sports psychology has significantly impacted the global sports stage, most notably through his crucial role in the Springboks’ historic victory in the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
A CHANGE OF TRANSFER STRATEGY
Word reaching FARPost is that Chiefs are already profiling their potential signings for the next transfer window. From what I’m gathering, they have identified the priority positions in the next phase of their squad rebuild.
Ntseki has been talking about the squad audit in the media. Insiders say it not only focused on the current transfer window but was also used to lay out a plan for the coming seasons. For instance, Chiefs have set their sights on a long-term left-back option and a young defensive midfielder to understudy Sibongiseni ‘Ox’ Mthethwa.
Understandably, they have had issues in those two positions in recent seasons, and it makes sense to start finding long-term solutions. Another position they look to prioritise is at centre-forward.
Nonetheless, the signings they made this time were done well in advance. It would have given the coach enough time to work them into his desired system for the season.
As early as January, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe was a done deal. Mduduzi Mdantsane and Given Msimango were also done before the end of the transfer window.
Edson Castillo, Pule Mmodi, Ranga Chivaviro, Jasond Gonzalez, and Tebogo Potsane followed.
The Soweto giants’ swoop of Sibongiseni Mthethwa from Stellenbosch FC was the perfect finishing touch to their transfer window business just days before the deadline.
The club also had nine exits as they sought to refresh the squad. The new signings have boosted the team with much-needed strength and depth, positioning Chiefs to challenge for trophies again.
THE CAVIN JOHNSON APPOINTMENT
Finally, Chiefs have a sincere advocate for youth development as their new head of academy. Cavin Johnson has a proven track record of developing young players and is widely regarded as one of the best youth coaches in the country.
The role involves full accountability for the development and success of the club’s young players and the identification and recruitment of new talent.
“He brings a wealth of knowledge that will continue to build our Academy programs and scouting network to take the Club forward to imprint the Kaizer Chiefs philosophy throughout every level of the club,” explained the club’s sporting director, Kaizer Motaung Jr.
That’s right up Johnson’s alley—absolutely a bespoke opportunity for an individual of his calibre.
Revered sports administrator Senzo Mbatha reacted to his appointment on Friday.
The two worked together at Platinum Stars, where the 64-year-old previously held the Director of the Royal Bafokeng Sports Academy position. Several talents including Gift Links and Kobamelo Kodisang came through Johnson’s hands.
JOHNSON DESCRIBED AS A ‘WELL-ROUNDED COACH’
“Right move,” wrote Mbatha on his Whatsapp status. The former Al Ahly assistant coach is a well-rounded coach with a UEFA professional license and coaching qualifications from CAF, the Dutch Football Association, and the Brazilian CBF. He has a bias towards youth football, and his experience and qualifications make him a valuable asset to any team.
La Masia head coach Delano Hendricks recently highlighted the former School of Excellence coach’s extensive scouting work. “He’s been in the game for many years,” he told FARPost.
“I always hear people talk about players they have produced. If we start jotting down the number of graduates he has, this man is probably well over the 300-400 mark.”
His appointment is a sign that Chiefs are committed to developing their players and building a sustainable future for the club.
These bold moves by Chiefs clearly signal that the club is serious about turning things around and returning to the top of South African football. It remains to be seen whether these moves will be successful, but they are a step in the right direction.
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