‘Relax, Khosi – Kaizer Jr knows what he’s doing,’ ex-Chiefs star tells impatient supporters
Former Kaizer Chiefs star Matthew Rusike has urged the club’ supporters to put faith in sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr as he’s on the right path to turning the club around.
Image: Kaizer Chiefs
Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Matthew Rusike has urged the club’s fans to be more patient with co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef.
Despite the club being fourth in the Betway Premiership, four points behind league leaders Orlando Pirates and two behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns, the coaching duo have found themselves under pressure.
Their recent form — three draws and a defeat in their last four games in all competitions — has been worrying.
Last week, Isaac Mabotsa urged the club to appoint a new head coach after a recent run of poor form, while Chiefs great Joseph “Banks” Setlhodi claimed they “know nothing about football”.
But Rusike, who led the line for Chiefs for three seasons between 2012 and 2015, said fans needed to be more patient.
“I think Kaizer [Motaung] Jnr is doing a great job as sporting director, especially in terms of recruitment and other matters. We just have to be patient,” the now 35-year-old was quoted as saying by KickOff.
“The team is playing well now, but in football all over the world, if coaches don’t bring results, they get fired — that’s how things work. If the two coaches fail to win, they will be replaced. It’s simple.
“As for those calling for coach Pitso, make no mistake, he is a world-class coach. Any team in the world would not mind hiring him because we all know his capabilities. But for now, I think we should let Kaizer Jr handle the situation. If the two coaches do well, they will continue. If they don’t deliver results, they will go. That’s how football works.”
For now, the spotlight remains firmly on results, with Chiefs still well placed in the title race despite the noise surrounding the technical bench. Whether patience prevails or pressure forces change will likely depend on how Kaze and Ben Youssef navigate the second half of the season as Amakhosi look to turn promise into silverware.
IOL Sport