There had been growing speculation that Kaizer Chiefs would part ways with Molefi Ntseki following strings of poor results since the start of the new league season.
Chiefs have endured one of their worst starts to the Premier Soccer League under Ntseki, and their recent loss at home to AmaZulu in the Carling Knockout Cup all but confirmed the end to the speculation.
Monday's club statement on X said, “Following a meeting on Monday morning, Molefi Ntseki’s tenure as Head Coach of Kaizer Chiefs has ended amicably by mutual consent.”
Kaizer Chiefs form under Ntseki
Molefi Ntseki was in charge of 13 matches at Chiefs and also conducted some decent signings, resulting in nine new faces arriving in the last transfer window.
- Chippa United 0-0 (Draw)
- Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 (Loss)
- Cape Town City 2-1 (Won)
- TS Galaxy 1-0 (Loss)
- AmaZulu 3-0 (Won)
- Stellenbosch 2-0 (Won)
- Mamelodi Sundowns 1-1 (Draw)
- Royal AM 0-0 (Draw)
- SuperSport United 1-0 (Loss)
- Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 (Loss)
- Sekhukhune United 2-1 (Won)
- Cape Town City 1-0 (Loss)
- AmaZulu 1-0 (Loss)
The above results meant that Chiefs recorded four wins to go with three draws and six defeats in 13 matches. The team scored 12 goals and conceded 11 times under their former coach.
At his sacking, AmaKhosi are 8th on the table after nine matches played in the PSL.
Who takes charge of Kaizer Chiefs after Ntseki?
Like it is everywhere in the football world following the sacking of a coach, club owner(s), or management appoints a new coach on a long-term or interim basis.
Cavin Johnson was appointed as the interim coach of Kaizer Chiefs after the mutual end to Ntseki's reign.
Club Update
Cavin Johnson will take over as the First Team coach on an interim basis.
Current assistant coach, Dillon Sheppard will retain his position under Johnson.https://t.co/ektYRGBARu#Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/53yFqP5jCe
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) October 23, 2023
Johnson will be in charge of the team until the club finalizes plans on who to take over the team in the long term.
This brings us to potential replacement options for the club and we'll take a look at three of them.
3 favourites to replace Ntseki as Kaizer Chiefs coach
Cavin Johnson
Johnson served as Head of Technical before Ntseki was axed. Now appointed as the interim boss, this appointment could potentially pave the way for him to take over the Kaizer Chiefs hot seat for the long term.
Johnson has had managerial experience with Platinum Stars, SuperSport United, AmaZulu, Black Leopards and at Al Ahly as an assistant coach.
Ernst Middendorp
The former Amakhosi boss never tasted league success with the club, but came mightily close in his previous tenure. Middendorp managed Chiefs twice between 2005 to 2007, and 2018 to 2020.
The German boasts vast managerial experience globally and is available after recently leaving Tanzanian side Singida Big Stars FC last month.
Brandon Truter
Truter was considered by Amakhosi management before they appointed Ntseki. The club believes his PSL experience could serve well in the long term.
Reports say Truter is considering leaving Sekhukhune United. This means he could be available soon if Amakhosi management shows interest in replacing Ntseki with him.
This article was most recently revised and updated 6 days ago
