‘Kaizer Chiefs were keen, but he’s loyal to Mamelodi Sundowns’

‘Kaizer Chiefs were keen, but he’s loyal to Mamelodi Sundowns’

Kaizer Chiefs are believed to be about to appoint Nasreddine Nabi as their new coach, but had more options.

Chiefs were looking at both local and international coaching candidates to fill their current coaching vacancy, with Nabi chosen.

It’s believed Nabi has won the race, which included the likes of Pitso Mosimane and Alexandre Santos in the end. All three candidates had their moments where they were hot favourites, with the South African considered the dream appointment. The Portuguese, became even more of a favourite after winning three consecutive Angolan titles with Petro de Luanda. In fact, it was believed that he was so confident he would be the next Chiefs coach, that he decided to leave the African giants.

Mngqithi was regarded as a candidate for the Chiefs job

Nabi, is now more than just the favourite, but the incumbent for the Chiefs job.This publication has reported that the club has agreed a deal with both him and AS FAR. It is believed that he will be announced formal as the new coach by possibly the 24th of June, depending on his Throne Cup result. His team will play a semi-final in that cup and should they progress, the announcement could be delayed.

But before Chiefs settle for Nabi, it was thought that they had earmarked only two local coaches for the job. Besides Mosimane as the ultimate favourite, his former assistant coach at Mamelodi Sundowns, Manqoba Mngqithi was reportedly considered. He is now expected to sign a new deal at Masandawana, but fell out of the list pretty early.

According to a source speaking to The Citizen, Chiefs had a genuine interest in Mngqithi but is staying at Sundowns.

Interest confirmed, but staying at Sundowns

“Coach Mangqoba (Mngqithi) loves Sundowns and from what I know, he will not be leaving as was previously mentioned. Chiefs were keen but I don’t think that is the case anymore. I know his agent denied the Chiefs rumour but it was a possibility, even last season. The coach is loyal to Sundowns and wants to continue there.” Said the source.

Mngqithi is largely expected to conclude his new deal at Sundowns. Nabi is also getting closer to the Chiefs move. This alone, should finally put the saga to bed.