Ex-Pirates Star Backs Arthur Zwane for Chiefs Return

Key facts

• Lebohang Mokoena supports Arthur Zwane's return to Kaizer Chiefs.
• Zwane has impressed as head coach of AmaZulu since October 2024.
• AmaZulu are challenging Kaizer Chiefs for third place and CAF Confederation Cup qualification.
• Zwane previously managed Kaizer Chiefs with mixed results.
• Arthur Zwane spent over two decades at Kaizer Chiefs as a player and coach.
• Kaizer Chiefs are expected to reshuffle their technical team at season's end.
• Pitso Mosimane and Benni McCarthy are also linked with the Chiefs coaching job.

A Legend's Plea for a Second Chance

The prospect of Arthur Zwane returning to the Kaizer Chiefs dugout is gaining traction, propelled by a prominent former player's endorsement. Lebohang Mokoena, an ex-star for Orlando Pirates, has publicly championed the current AmaZulu tactician, believing his recent successes make him the ideal candidate to restore the Glamour Boys to their former glory. This advocacy comes at a critical juncture for Chiefs, who are widely anticipated to overhaul their technical setup following the conclusion of the current season. Zwane's initial tenure at the helm of Kaizer Chiefs was met with considerable disappointment, a period that threatened to tarnish his reputation. However, his subsequent appointment at AmaZulu in October 2024 has marked a significant redemption arc. Under his guidance, the Durban-based Usuthu have emerged as a formidable force, positioning themselves as the primary challengers to Zwane's old club in the race for third place and a coveted spot in the CAF Confederation Cup. Mokoena's endorsement is rooted in Zwane's demonstrable impact at AmaZulu, a feat achieved despite the club operating with fewer resources than the league's traditional powerhouses. "I think coach Arthur has proved himself at AmaZulu with limited resources," Mokoena stated, highlighting the coach's ability to overachieve. He added that Zwane "needed more time" during his first stint at Chiefs, suggesting that impatience from the club's hierarchy towards local coaches hampered his progress.

Redemption in Durban

Arthur Zwane's transformation since taking over AmaZulu has been remarkable. His first spell as head coach at Kaizer Chiefs, often referred to as 'Naturena', was widely perceived as a significant setback, nearly jeopardizing his standing as an elite tactician. Yet, his move to the Durban-based AmaZulu has provided a platform for a significant resurgence. Since assuming control in October 2024, Zwane has steered AmaZulu into contention at the sharp end of the league. The team is now a principal challenger to his former club, Kaizer Chiefs, in the pursuit of third place, which guarantees qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup. This impressive league form is complemented by strong performances in cup competitions, with AmaZulu reaching the quarter-finals of both the MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup during the current campaign. Lebohang Mokoena, speaking on Soccerbeat, specifically pointed to Zwane's achievements at AmaZulu as evidence of his readiness for a return to a high-pressure environment. Mokoena emphasized that Zwane's success has been attained "with limited resources," underscoring the coach's tactical acumen and ability to maximize his squad's potential, irrespective of financial backing.

The Deep-Rooted Connection to Naturena

Arthur Zwane's identity is inextricably linked with Kaizer Chiefs. His association with the club spans over two decades, encompassing significant contributions both as a player and a coach. During his playing career, Zwane was a decorated figure, amassing 12 major trophies, including league titles and the CAF Cup Winners’ Cup, between 2000 and 2010. He was a skillful winger who scored 32 goals in 252 appearances for the club. Following his retirement from playing in 2010, Zwane transitioned seamlessly into coaching. He initially served as an assistant before taking the reins of the club's youth development program in 2012. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in nurturing a generation of talent, including current stars such as Mduduzi Shabalala and Bruce Bvuma. His tenure with the academy saw him lead the reserve team to victory in the inaugural Multichoice Diski Shield in 2018. This profound understanding of the club's culture and its player development pathways is precisely why Mokoena believes Zwane deserves a second opportunity. "He has worked with most of those youngsters; he knows the culture of the team," Mokoena stated. He added that Zwane's history with the club's emerging talent provides him with a unique advantage over other potential candidates, such as Benni McCarthy or Pitso Mosimane.

Kaizer Chiefs' Technical Team in Flux

The technical team at Kaizer Chiefs is poised for a significant overhaul as the current season draws to a close. The club is currently under the joint management of co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef. Their appointment was a mid-season intervention, taking over just two months into the current campaign after the departure of Nasreddine Nabi. However, the tenure of Kaze and Ben Youssef is guaranteed only until the end of the season. While a strong finish could potentially lead to new contracts, the club's hierarchy is actively exploring options for a new head coach. If they decide to pursue external candidates, the current co-coaches may be reassigned or depart the club entirely. This potential vacancy has led to speculation linking several high-profile names to the demanding role. Veteran tactician Pitso Mosimane and Kenya national team coach Benni McCarthy have both been mentioned as possible contenders. Lebohang Mokoena's endorsement now adds Arthur Zwane's name to this list of potential candidates, highlighting the competitive landscape for the Chiefs' top coaching position.

The Stakes: Return to Glory Days

Lebohang Mokoena is not merely suggesting a return for Arthur Zwane; he is advocating for a specific outcome: the restoration of Kaizer Chiefs to their former glory. Mokoena's conviction stems from Zwane's recent performance at AmaZulu, which he believes has silenced critics and demonstrated the coach's capability to lead a top-tier team. "The results speak for themselves. He is right behind Kaizer Chiefs with a team that nobody expected to be in the top four," Mokoena observed. He further posited that a sustained opportunity could yield significant rewards. "If he is given a two or three-year opportunity again at Kaizer Chiefs, I’m sure he can bring back the glory days." This sentiment underscores the pressure and expectations that accompany the Kaizer Chiefs coaching role. The club, a perennial powerhouse in South African football, has experienced a relative drought in major silverware in recent years. The desire to recapture past successes, coupled with the potential for CAF competition qualification, makes the appointment of a new head coach a decision of paramount importance for the club's immediate future and long-term aspirations.

The bottom line

• Arthur Zwane's successful tenure at AmaZulu has led to renewed calls for his return to Kaizer Chiefs.
• Lebohang Mokoena believes Zwane's experience with younger players and club culture are key advantages.
• AmaZulu's strong league position highlights Zwane's ability to achieve results with limited resources.
• Kaizer Chiefs are actively seeking a new head coach for the upcoming season.
• Zwane spent over two decades at Kaizer Chiefs, both as a player and a youth coach, before his first senior team stint.
• The club's management is reportedly considering several high-profile candidates for the coaching position.