José Riveiro Among Candidates If Kaizer Chiefs Pull Trigger on Coaching Change

With pressure continuing to mount at Kaizer Chiefs following inconsistent results through different phases of the season, speculation has begun to grow around the future of co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, with reports linking both to a possible exit from the club.

Chiefs have struggled to match the pace set by title contenders Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, with frustration among supporters becoming increasingly visible in recent weeks.

Although Amakhosi have not signalled any immediate changes, speculation continues that they could pull the trigger, with several candidates reportedly in the mix.

Jose Riveiro

One name that has not frequently surfaced but carries significant weight, particularly because of what he achieved with his former side, Pirates, is Jose Riveiro, SportsBoom understands. 

The Spanish coach has earned significant praise for his work with the Buccaneers, where he helped restore competitiveness and guided the club to several domestic cup successes.

Riveiro’s tactical discipline and ability to build a structured, organised side have been key components of Pirates’ resurgence in recent seasons. Those attributes could make him an attractive option for a club seeking to regain consistency. 

He is also regarded as a coach capable of balancing rebuilding with immediate results, while maintaining a strong focus on player development.

Riveiro, could join a small group of coaches who have coached both Pirates and Chiefs, with previous names such as Vladimir Vermezovic and Kosta Papic among those who have crossed the Soweto divide.

“Jose did well for Pirates and if you remember correctly he found them struggling after a couple of seasons without silverware,” a close source told Sportsboom.co.za

Pitso Mosimane

Another figure often mentioned in conversations around the role is Pitso Mosimane. 

Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most successful coaches, Mosimane enjoyed a dominant spell with Mamelodi Sundowns before going on to achieve continental success during his time in North Africa with Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

His experience in managing high-pressure environments and competing for major honours could be exactly what Chiefs need at this stage.

The source continued to tell SportsBoom that Mosimane is among the strongest candidates and that his profile fits what Chiefs may need if they decide to rebuild.

“If they go with Pitso, he specialises in building clubs that are down. He did that with Sundowns, he went to Al Ahly when they were not doing so well and he built them up, and it was the same during his time in the Middle East.”

“He has said that he loves the club, but it will only be a matter of whether the club can afford him and whether they will be willing to let him come with his backroom staff.”

Fernando da Cruz and Benni McCarthy

“Chiefs need a builder, and another name linked with the job is Benni McCarthy. He wants the job, but one thing about him is that he is not a builder, he is a winner,” the source added.

Meanwhile, another option could emerge in the form of Fernando da Cruz. The French-born coach has briefly been part of the technical structure at Chiefs, and the club is believed to still be in contact with him.

Such a move could represent another gamble for the Soweto giants. Da Cruz previously worked as an assistant to Nasreddine Nabi early in his tenure at the club, meaning his philosophy could align closely with that of his former colleague. 

While he may have the capability to hold the position, questions remain over whether he would be the right figure to lead the club forward.