Chiefs need players, not coach - Ndlanya

Johannesburg - As the search for a new Kaizer Chiefs coach gains momentum, former striker Pollen Ndlanya has cautioned Amakhosi to make a wise move – for a coach and players.

Chiefs are searching for Steve Komphela’s successor following his resignation last weekend. Many names have been bandied about – all foreigners.

Free State Stars’ coach Luc Eymael’s name has been mentioned alongside Botswana’s Township Rollers Serbian coach Nikola Kavazovic. The club’s current technical director, Dutch coach Robertus “Rob” Hutting has been touted as a contender as well.

However, Ndlanya says Chiefs should resist the temptation of going outside the country for a coach.

“They should not use Steve’s tenure as a benchmark for local coaches. They let him down. Many people will not agree with me, but Chiefs need a local coach who understands the culture, philosophy and mentality of our players. We must groom our own, empower them and give them the same kind of support we give to foreign coaches. Someone like Dan [Malesela] can do a good job. He has already proven himself with little resources.”

Ndlanya said there was nothing wrong with Komphela.

“Leave Steve alone. Players are the ones who let the team down and they should shoulder the blame.”

The team’s management need to ask themselves serious questions, he said.

“It is all about the quality of players. Chiefs do not have the quality. The calibre of a Chiefs player cannot be the same as AmaZulu, never.”

Even if Manchester United coach José Mourinho was brought in, he would not win anything with the kind of material at his disposal.

“Steve did nothing wrong. What was he supposed to do when players missed glorious chances like they did against Stars? Was he supposed to get on the field to convert those chances? There is no quality and that’s where they need to start.

“As long as they still have the same players, nothing is going to change, but it starts at the top. Who is recruiting for them? Are these the right kind of players? Not everyone who kicks a ball can play for Chiefs. You need to get players who will make the difference and stand up and be counted.”

Ndlanya said if Chiefs had the same quality as Mamelodi Sundowns, Komphela would have succeeded and delivered trophies.

“Pitso [Mosimane] was not only given a chance, but he could get any player he wanted. If he wants a player he gets him, but this was not the case with Steve.”

The new coach is expected to be announced in the off season. Former captain Patrick Mabedi, who was assistant to Komphela, will finish the season occupying the hot seat, together with MultiChoice Diski Challenge coach Arthur Zwane.