Kaizer Chiefs’ incoming goalkeeper coach, Ilyes Mzoughi, arrived in Johannesburg on Sunday evening, marking the second addition to the team’s revamped technical staff.
The Mauritania national team goalkeepers’ coach looks set to replace Rainer Dinkelacker, who recently returned to his native Germany after his contract expired.
The German first arrived at Naturena in 1999 with Muhsin Ertugral. Under his guidance, Itumeleng Khune emerged and blossomed into Mzansi’s number one. He also worked with Amakhosi goalkeepers Brian Baloyi, Rowen Fernandez, and Arthur Bartman.
Dinkelacker left the Amakhosi after the 2012/2013 season. He was replaced by Dennis Rudel, who recently returned to Germany due to family reasons.
At the start of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season, Dinkelacker returned to the club. He signed a one-year deal.
Mzoughi follows Frenchman Fernando Da Cruz, the incoming assistant coach who touched down from Casablanca, Morocco earlier in the day. He flew from Tunis and arrived in Johannesburg at 7:00 PM.
The 50-year-old Tunisian, who has a distinguished career, brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at prominent clubs such as Hatta Club and Al Ahli in Dubai, Al Batin and Al-Adalah in Saudi Arabia, JS Kabylie in Algeria, and Al Ahly Tripoli in Libya.
The appointment of Mzoughi is a significant move for Chiefs, as he will be working under the soon-to-be-announced head coach, Nasreddine Nabi. The two have a long-standing professional relationship and hold each other in high regard, promising a strong and cohesive coaching dynamic.
ILYES MZOUGHI’S PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY AT KAIZER CHIEFS
Mzoughi’s primary responsibility will be to enhance the performance of Chiefs’ goalkeepers, drawing on his vast knowledge and expertise gained from working across the Gulf region and North Africa. His arrival signifies a renewed focus on strengthening the team’s defensive capabilities.
As the club prepares for the upcoming season, the arrival of both Mzoughi and Da Cruz signals a clear intent to rebuild and revitalise the technical team, setting the stage for a change of fortunes for Amakhosi.
Amakhosi players regroup on Monday at Naturena to begin their preparations for the 2024/25 season. Chiefs are also expected to appoint a conditioning coach, video analyst and a second assistant.
Meanwhile, Nabi led his team, AS FAR, to a 2-0 victory over MAS de Fes, securing a spot in the Throne Cup final.
AS FAR controlled the first half and took the lead in the 29th minute with a goal by Youssef Aguerdoum. Amine Zouhzouh solidified their dominance with a second goal in the 60th minute. This victory marks AS FAR’s fifth consecutive win against MAS de Fes.
They now await the victor of Tuesday’s match between Josef Zinnbauer’s Raja Athletic Club and MC Oujda.
RELATED STORY: WATCH: Chiefs-bound Fernando Da Cruz touches down at OR Tambo
