Three weeks have passed since the final whistle of the 2025/26 domestic season, and the quiet halls of Naturena are harboring a massive storm. While the club has yet to announce explosive new player signings, Kaizer Chiefs have aggressively swung the axe at the management level, parting ways with co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.
Amakhosi are officially a team in limbo—standing on the edge of a clean-slate revolution without a permanent head coach to guide them.
The Race for the Hot Seat: Pitso vs. Da Cruz
The rumor mill surrounding the head coaching vacancy is reaching a fever pitch. French-Portuguese tactician Fernando Da Cruz remains the leading frontrunner for the permanent position, but a legendary name has sent fans into a frenzy.
Former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns mentor Pitso “Jingles” Mosimane recently teased a massive announcement on social media. While the details remain under wraps, it hasn’t stopped the Khosi Nation from dreaming of a blockbuster appointment that would instantly change the hierarchy of South African football.
A Shock Return for Lucas Ribeiro?
On the player market, Chiefs have been handed a golden opportunity. Former PSL Player of the Season (2024/25) Lucas Ribeiro is officially a free agent after parting ways with Spanish LaLiga 2 outfit Cultural Deportiva Leonesa following their relegation.
The 27-year-old Brazilian playmaker struggled to find his rhythm in Europe, recording just six goals and two assists during his short stint in Spain. A return to the Betway Premiership is highly likely, and Chiefs are heavily linked. However, the Glamour Boys will have to fight off massive money: Rulani Mokwena’s Libyan powerhouse, Al-Ittihad, is reportedly in pole position to hijack the deal.
The Naturena Clear-Out: Sirino and Co. Facing the Axe
To make room for incoming marquee talent, several household names are reportedly facing an uncertain future at the club.
| Player | Position | Current Status / Outlook |
| Gaston Sirino | Winger | Now 35, the veteran played a highly restricted role last term and looks set for an exit. |
| Pule Mmodi | Winger | Facing stiff competition following the arrival of hot prospect Asanele Velebayi. |
| George Matlou | Midfielder | On the fringes of the squad; contract extension highly unlikely. |
| Glody Makabi | Forward | Struggling to assert himself in the frontline; set to be offloaded. |
With the arrival of vibrant wide attacker Asanele Velebayi, the technical team is actively shifting toward youth, leaving veterans like Sirino fighting a losing battle for their spots on the roster.
