Following the appointment of Arthur Zwane as the new Kaizer Chiefs coach, the club’s chairman Kaizer Motaung has backed him as the man to effect the much-needed cultural reset.
Zwane was announced as head coach of the club on a three-year deal with immediate effect and his task is to bring back the glory days to Amakhosi. Motaung senior, whose message was read out to journalists at the FNB Stadium, said the long-term plan to have the former winger take over the reins had finally come to fruition.
“The plan we have been working on for many years of appointing Arthur as our Head Coach has come to fruition. After seeing his passion for the game and his willingness to learn, we have been looking to bring him through to lead the senior when the time is right and we believe that time is now. We are also grateful that he has been patient and continued to work hard to advance his coaching skills and abilities by educating himself, which is key in the modern game,” Motaung said.
Chiefs have not won major silverware in seven years and Motaung is convinced it will take a man who understands the philosophy of the club to return it to the apex of local football.
“Arthur is the someone who grew up at Chiefs and has a full understanding of our culture. We did say last year when we appointed the Sporting Director and Head of Technical that we wanted them to work with people who understand our philosophy. This is important as the coach works closely with those two gentlemen on a daily basis,” the Chairman added.
Zwane spent 10 years as a player at Chiefs before becoming an assistant upon his retirement in 2010. He was later redeployed to the youth structures before returning to work as an assistant.
The 48-year-old has previously stood in as head coach on a temporary basis at various times in the past – most recently in April following the departure of Stuart Baxter – where he led the team for the final seven league matches of the 2021/22 season.
Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr., who played with Zwane said the move was a bold step towards “laying the foundation for long term success”. “One of the main reasons the club decided to appoint Coach Arthur Zwane is his deep understanding of the Kaizer Chiefs playing philosophy and his incredible work ethic. His innovative and modern approach to the game has made him the ideal candidate to drive this unique project into the future,” Motaung Jr said. Zwane will be assisted by Dillon Sheppard, who joined Chiefs in 2020 as assistant coach.
