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The next Chiefs coach: Local or international?

Cape Town - Absa Premiership giants Kaizer Chiefs are still in search of a new head coach after failing to win any major trophies for the past three seasons.

ALSO READ: 5 candidates to replace Komphela at Kaizer Chiefs

Steve Komphela surprisingly resigned before his contract expired in June 2018 following Amakhosi's 2-0 Nedbank Cup semi-final defeat against Free State Stars at the Moses Mabhida Stadium last month.

The Glamour Boys supporters showed their anger by destroying stadium property and broadcasting equipment in damages that totalled R2.6 million

Chiefs have since pleaded guilty to the charges.

Meanwhile, Patrick Mabedi took over on an interim basis for the remainder of the season, guided Amakhosi to a third-place finish in the league, confirming their spot in next season's CAF Confederation Cup.

The 44-year-old revealed that he would accept the job if the club decided to give him the role on a permanent basis.

With the current state of the club, it seems far-fetched that the former Chiefs defender would be entrusted with the job due to his inexperience as a head coach.

'THE CANDIDATES'

Amakhosi have been linked with Luc Eymael after Free State Stars' sudden resurgence in the Absa Premiership, but the Belgian has denied that he has been contacted by the club.

Finishing the PSL season in sixth place, Ea Lla Koto will play Maritzburg United on Saturday in the Nedbank Cup final, and many assume that if Eymael guides them to silverware, he will be in Chiefs' dugout at the start of the 2018/19 campaign.

Chiefs are in a state of emergency and will need to deliver next season or clubs fans will hold the Soweto giants for ransom yet again by causing havoc at stadiums.

One man who is cable of turning things around at Naturena is Gavin Hunt.

His bullish character has help change the fortunes of SuperSport United as well as Wits. 

However, this season, Hunt endured a torrid 10 months with the Students as they finished a disappointing 13th in the league, failing to defend their PSL crown which Sundowns claimed last week.

The 53-year-old recently made it known that Amakhosi, along with Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, all tried to lure him to their respective clubs following his triumphant three successive league titles at SuperSport.

Former Cape Town City and SuperSport coach Eric Tinkler's name is also in the mix while Amakhosi legend Doctor Khumalo said that he is interested in the job as well.

Khumalo says that if club owner Kaizer Motaung were to call him, he would listen if an offer was to be made.

"If they really need my services, I would not say no to them. They gave me the platform to showcase my talent and I would really, really answer the call and take proper major steps in order for me to hear what they have to say," said Khumalo, who has since taken over as Baroka caretaker coach.

A fan favourite among supporters, the return of '16 Valve' to Amakhosi would be welcomed after the 50-year-old departed during Komphela's tenure.

Nostalgia might lead Chiefs to bring back Stuart Baxter, but the current Bafana Bafana coach seems unlikely to leave his post with the national team.

Ex-Pirates coach Ruud Krol, who famously guided the club to a cup winning treble in the 2010/11 season, might be out of contention as he is reportedly eyeing the Harambee Stars job in Kenya.

Krol was previously rumoured to be in line to replace Komphela last season.

Former Chelsea manager Avram Grant, who currently coaches NorthEast United FC in India, is a strong candidate to take over at Naturena next season.

The 63-year-old's CV comes with a lot of experience in managing clubs around the world, but can he do it in the Absa Premiership?

Many coaches from abroad have come to South Africa with hopes of succeeding, but inevitably fail to bring any success to the respective clubs.

Whoever Chiefs next entrust with the job must bring in trophies and compete with Sundowns and Pirates, or we'll face yet another Amakhosi fan outburst.

Tashreeq Vardien works at Sport24 and is a paper basketball dustbin champion... Follow Tashreeq on Twitter.

Disclaimer: Sport24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of columnists published on Sport24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Sport24.

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