Kaizer Chiefs prepare to appoint new Technical Director to lead player recruitment and tactical planning ahead of 2026-27 PSL season in South Africa

As the new Premier Soccer League season approaches, Kaizer Chiefs find themselves at a crossroads.

It looks increasingly certain that current co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze will not continue next season, leaving a crucial vacancy in the dugout.

The club now faces the task of appointing a Technical Director to shape the team’s long-term strategy and oversee preparations for the upcoming campaign.

The timing is critical.

Potential head coaches linked with the club have strong PSL experience but are still committed to their current teams and would only be available at the start of the new season.

This makes the Technical Director role more urgent than ever, as the person in this position will lead recruitment and maintain a coherent playing philosophy until the new coach arrives.

The Importance of a Technical Director

In modern football, mega clubs like Kaizer Chiefs rely on a structured leadership model.

Kaizer Motaung Jr, as Sporting Director, handles the administrative, financial, and operational aspects of the club.

The Technical Director, meanwhile, focuses on football strategy, player recruitment, and youth development.

Finally, the Head Coach executes the shared vision on a day-to-day basis.

This triad ensures that long-term strategy, recruitment, and matchday performance are aligned.

Previous appointments at Chiefs — including Molefi Ntseki in 2021 and Cavin Johnson in 2023 — show the club’s commitment to structured leadership.

But this time, the club needs someone with PSL experience and a high-profile presence to guide them through the transition.

Potential Candidates and Strategic Pairings

The ideal Technical Director would have prior working relationships with the incoming head coach.

Names being discussed in whispers include Pitso Mosimane potentially pairing with Rulani Mokwena or Manqoba Mngqithi.

Other combinations could feature Ernst Middendorp alongside Fadlu Davids, or Nermin Basic with Sead Ramovic at TS Galaxy serving as a model.

The priority now is clear: appoint the Technical Director immediately to begin planning player recruitment, oversee the academy, and maintain continuity ahead of the next head coach’s arrival.

Delays could compromise the club’s preparations for the new season, where competition in the PSL is expected to be fierce.

Strategic Planning is Key

Kaizer Chiefs’ approach reflects a growing trend in football, where clubs separate administrative oversight, strategic planning, and on-pitch management.

This allows each role to specialize: the Sporting Director manages budgets and transfers, the Technical Director creates the footballing blueprint, and the Head Coach focuses on match performance.

Getting this structure right is essential for Kaizer Chiefs, who aim to compete at the top of the PSL while maintaining a sustainable development model for youth players and future transfers.

The new Technical Director will have a major influence in shaping both the squad and the club’s tactical identity for years to come.

What’s Next

The next steps for Kaizer Chiefs are immediate.

Appointing a Technical Director is the priority, with the person likely taking interim control of the squad until the new head coach arrives.

The club will also need to confirm the head coach, likely before the season starts, and begin integrating both leadership figures into the team’s recruitment and tactical preparations.

Fans will be watching closely as these decisions set the tone for the 2026-27 PSL campaign.

Summary

Kaizer Chiefs are preparing for a major reshuffle ahead of the new PSL season, with co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze expected to depart.

The club must urgently appoint a Technical Director to oversee recruitment, youth development, and tactical strategy.

Potential high-profile candidates are being considered, with strategic pairings crucial for long-term success.

With the new season looming, Kaizer Chiefs’ next moves will define both their immediate competitiveness and their future as a structured, top-tier football club.