Kaizer Chiefs’ standards are in the gutter

Kaizer Chiefs are flirting with hiring Alexandre Gallo as their new head coach. Here’s why that’s a sad indictment of their recruitment strategy.

CHIEFS NARROW THEIR MANAGERIAL SEARCH

According to Soccer-Laduma, Kaizer Chiefs have identified Alexandre Gallo as a priority managerial target. The Brazilian is with Santos but recently set the unenviable record of getting the club relegated for the first time in their 111-year history, in December 2023. Santos has produced several stellar stars, notably the late Pelé, Neymar Jr. and Ganso. They’re currently in the second tier of Brazilian football but contesting the Campeonato Paulista A1, a competition reserved for clubs from São Paulo. Santos is a true giant of South American football with eight Brazilian top-flight titles and three Copa Libertadores crowns to their illustrious name. It’s a strange sight seeing them in the obscurity of Serie A. Is Gallo to blame? Maybe not entirely, but it’s not a great thing to have on one’s CV, is it now?

Kaizer Chiefs draw up five-man shortlist for new coach. — Kazier Chiefs chairman Dr Kaizer Motaung was inducted into the South African Hall of Fame. Image source: (@KaizerChiefs/Twitter)

Language barriers and no understanding of club culture

Hypothetically speaking, what if Chiefs hire Gallo or even fellow Brazilian Vanderlei Luxemburgo, how is that a guarantee things will improve? The immediate hurdle to climb over will be a potential language barrier. How many Amakhosi players can speak Portuguese outside of Edmilson Dove? Not many. That is the first practical barrier but there are many, many others that could also stand in their way.