It must be good to be a Kaizer Chiefs supporter. When you finally decide to toss the toys out of the crib, the club rewards you rotten by signing practically everyone you like.
The Chiefs’ supporters supported Arthur Zwane’s hiring as coach because they believed in his ability to revive the team’s tradition and winning identity.
However, the 48-year-old has only managed the squad for 10 games and already some fans are clamouring for his resignation. Shambolic!
The Chiefs have had a mediocre start, winning two games, drawing two, and losing three. But with the level of competition this season, anybody can win.
Despite losing twice already, rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are still in the running to win the MTN8 after making it to the semifinals.
Surprisingly, despite their supporters having little influence over their transfer procedures, neither Pirates nor Sundowns have made any fuss over firing their managers.
The club’s newcomers, who were anticipated to align with Zwane’s ideology and his aim to rebuild the squad, have received feedback from Chiefs supporters.
Some of the young players that were signed to aid in the team’s rebuilding include Ashely du Preez (25), Kamohelo Mahlatsi (24), and Dillan Solomons (22).
Additionally, as a result of their presence, the Chiefs were forced to part ways with a number of seniors, including captain Bernard Parker, who had a tense relationship with the crowd.
But after just one month on the job, a number of social media postings have been made demanding Zwane’s demotion or dismissal and Pitso Mosimane’s appointment.
A separate topic is whether Mosimane, one of the finest managers to emerge from South Africa, is the appropriate choice to head Chiefs. His talent for winning trophies has allowed him to compete with Al Ahly, an African powerhouse. Amakhosi spent a fortune on players that were more suited for Zwane than Mosimane.
What then must they do? If their supporters are so eager that they want Zwane gone and Mosimane in charge, shouldn’t the team be reorganised once more?
That would be a bold move that took advantage of the Chiefs’ poor management, not to mention it would be disrespectful to Zwane, a devoted employee.
Zwane is not naive, despite the fact that his goal is to rebuild the club. The reason why children have been gradually integrated is because he is aware that he must provide outcomes.
The supporters made a lot of commotion when coach Stuart Baxter, who was fired, left Nkosingiphile Ngcobo off the squad during the previous season.
Siyethemba Sithebe, 29, provides skills and experience to the club, and Zwane has used the 22-year-old as an impact player.
Fans are the club’s spiritual proprietors, and mistakes are an inherent part of the game. But Zwane supporters must be patient and wait to see how “Mangethe football” plays out.