Kaizer Chiefs’ Managerial Uncertainty
Kaizer Chiefs are set to evaluate their managerial situation at the end of the current season, and the pressure is mounting on Nasreddine Nabi.
If he doesn’t deliver success in the Nedbank Cup, his future could be in jeopardy.
A Long Search for Stability
Amakhosi have been on a constant search for the right manager since Stuart Baxter led them to their last piece of silverware in 2015.
In that time, they’ve made a staggering 11 managerial changes.
Steve Komphela, Patrick Mabedi, Giovanni Solinas, Ernst Middendorp, Gavin Hunt, Arthur Zwane (twice), Molefi Ntseki, Cavin Johnson, and now Nasreddine Nabi have all taken their turn at the helm, but none have managed to bring a league title to the demanding supporters of Naturena.
Struggling to Compete
Since their last title challenge in 2020, Chiefs have consistently fallen behind the league winners, and the gap between them and the top spot is getting wider each season.
The points disparity between Chiefs and the champions in recent years makes for tough reading for Amakhosi fans:
- 2023-2024: 37 points (they scored only 36 in total)
- 2022-2023: 26 points behind
- 2021-2022: 18 points behind
- 2020-2021: 31 points behind
- 2019-2020: 2 points behind
- 2018-2019: 20 points behind
- 2017-2018: 12 points behind
- 2016-2017: 10 points behind
- 2015-2016: 25 points behind
- 2014-2015: No comparison (Champions)
Gavin Hunt’s Winning Pedigree
Gavin Hunt has certainly proven his ability to win titles.
His four Betway Premiership titles speak for themselves, including an impressive run with Bidvest Wits in the 2016-2017 season, when he also clinched the MTN8.
That year, Wits were the last team other than Mamelodi Sundowns to win the league.
If anyone has the credentials to challenge Sundowns’ dominance, it’s Hunt.
The Sundowns Juggernaut
Speaking of Sundowns, the Brazilians continue to dominate South African football.
With a 12-point lead over Orlando Pirates, the only team that could potentially challenge them, Sundowns look poised to maintain their stranglehold on the league.
Pirates have three games in hand, but history suggests that Sundowns have more than enough to secure the title.
This weekend, Chiefs will face Sundowns in a crucial match, and Chiefs fans will be hoping for a favorable result to derail Sundowns’ march.
The game kicks off on Saturday, March 1, at 15:30.
Can Hunt or Baxter Steady the Ship?
With the club still struggling to find consistency, many are wondering if either Gavin Hunt or Stuart Baxter could be the ones to bring stability and success back to Chiefs.
What do you think? Leave a comment below!