Kaizer Chiefs must overhaul their recruitment, coaching structure and football operations if they are to challenge Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns after more than a decade of underachievement.
While their rivals have dominated South African football, Chiefs have struggled to maintain the consistency expected of one of the continent’s biggest clubs. Their only major trophy in recent years is last season’s Nedbank Cup, while they also finished outside the league’s top eight.
That disappointing record has come alongside 10 coaching changes in the past 11 years, highlighting the club’s difficulty in establishing a stable sporting direction.
Recruit proven quality
Chiefs need to be more decisive in the transfer market and identify leading talent from across the continent.
Any new signings must suit the club’s style, possess the quality to make an immediate impact in the Premier Soccer League and be adaptable enough to operate within the demands of the team.
Amakhosi have previously allowed players who later developed into major stars to join other clubs. Fiston Mayele is one example, having gone on to become one of Africa’s most prolific forwards.
More recently, Fawaaz Basadien moved to Mamelodi Sundowns and Oswin Appollis joined Orlando Pirates after both had been linked with Chiefs.
The club cannot continue to watch its main rivals acquire players it might have pursued itself.
Appoint an authoritative coach
Chiefs also missed the chance to appoint Pitso Mosimane when he was available.
Mosimane built an impressive record at Sundowns and played a major part in creating their dominant era before taking on other challenges.
To compete with Sundowns and Pirates, Chiefs require a manager with the authority, experience and clear tactical identity to build a strong squad and provide continuity.
Widen the scouting operation
The club has traditionally excelled at finding promising players in townships, villages and smaller clubs, then developing them into established stars.
Orlando Pirates have underlined the value of that approach. Mbekezeli Mbokazi emerged after being recruited from KwaZulu-Natal, showing that important talent can be found beyond the usual spotlight.
Chiefs’ DStv Diski Challenge setup remains significant, but it cannot be their only source of players. The academy should be supported by a more aggressive scouting network covering South Africa and the rest of the continent.
Use Bobby Motaung’s experience
Bobby Motaung was influential during some of Chiefs’ most successful periods in the 2000s and early 2010s.
His influence has reduced as Kaizer Motaung Jr and Jessica Motaung have taken on more prominent responsibilities, but his knowledge of the club and its identity could still benefit the football department.
Chiefs must settle on an effective structure and give experienced football figures a meaningful role in key decisions.
Reconnect with supporters
Supporters have seen rival clubs make ambitious signings and compete for trophies while Chiefs have lacked consistency.
Pirates’ recruitment of players including Oswin Appollis, Lebone Seema and Kamogelo Sebelebele demonstrates the impact of targeted squad building.
Chiefs must understand what their fans expect and ensure their football decisions reflect a clear desire to compete. If that requires changes to the board, football department or management team, the Motaung family must be willing to make difficult choices.
Reputation alone will not restore the club’s glory days. Better recruitment, stronger scouting, coaching stability and decisive leadership are needed to close the gap on Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
