Kaizer Chiefs could be considering another major change to their technical setup, with reports suggesting that the Soweto giants have reopened discussions with experienced South African coach Manqoba Mngqithi.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor recently became a free agent following his departure from Tanzanian giants Young Africans, creating fresh speculation about a possible move to Naturena.
The reported development comes at a difficult time for Amakhosi, whose disappointing results in continental competition have increased scrutiny of head coach Fernando Da Cruz.
Although Da Cruz has reportedly avoided defeat in the league, concerns about the team’s performances have raised questions about his long-term future at the club.
Kaizer Chiefs Reportedly Revisit Mngqithi Appointment
According to a report attributed to Amakhosi insider Innocent Mkhize on X, discussions are taking place behind the scenes between Kaizer Chiefs and Mngqithi.
The report further suggests that the experienced coach is reluctant to work with the club’s current technical team, potentially complicating any agreement.
Chiefs had reportedly considered Mngqithi before appointing Da Cruz in July 2026. The latest developments suggest that the club may once again be exploring the possibility of bringing the South African tactician to Naturena.
However, the reported discussions have not established that an agreement has been reached, and an official appointment should not be assumed.
Red Arrows Defeat Adds to Pressure at Naturena
The speculation surrounding Mngqithi comes after Kaizer Chiefs suffered a disappointing exit from the CAF Confederation Cup.
Amakhosi were eliminated by Zambia’s Red Arrows after losing a penalty shootout, ending their continental campaign in the preliminary rounds.
The result was another setback for a club eager to return to competing for major honours at home and across Africa.
While Da Cruz has reportedly maintained an unbeaten record in the league, Chiefs’ broader performances have attracted criticism from supporters who expect more consistent displays from the team.
The club now faces pressure to improve its domestic campaign, with the Nedbank Cup and Carling Knockout Cup representing opportunities to compete for silverware.
Whether the latest coaching speculation leads to a change remains unclear, but the coming weeks could prove important for Da Cruz and the club’s leadership.
Mngqithi Previously Confirmed Interest From Kaizer Chiefs
Mngqithi has previously spoken publicly about discussions with Kaizer Chiefs before the start of the current season.
The coach revealed that he had held cordial talks with the club’s leadership, including Kaizer Motaung Snr, but the discussions did not result in an appointment.
Mngqithi also suggested that someone had prevented the move from progressing, although he did not publicly identify the person in the remarks quoted in the original report.
He further indicated that Chiefs had shown interest in him on earlier occasions, including before he joined Mamelodi Sundowns.
His comments suggest that the possibility of coaching Amakhosi is not entirely new, even though previous discussions failed to produce an agreement.
Could Manqoba Mngqithi Be the Right Coach for Amakhosi?
Mngqithi brings considerable experience in South African football, having worked in prominent coaching roles at Mamelodi Sundowns before moving to Young Africans.
His familiarity with the Premier Soccer League could make him an attractive candidate if Chiefs decide to reconsider their technical leadership.
However, any potential appointment would come with significant expectations. Supporters want a team capable of challenging for trophies, delivering consistent performances and competing more effectively against domestic rivals.
The reported disagreement over the existing technical team could also become an important issue if negotiations progress.
For now, the situation remains one to watch, with no confirmed announcement that Mngqithi will replace Da Cruz.
Would Manqoba Mngqithi be the right man to lead Kaizer Chiefs back to success, or should the club give Fernando Da Cruz more time to turn things around?
