Comment: Three reasons why Chiefs should axe Zwane

A shock loss to Golden Arrows on Sunday has ramped up some pressure – perhaps unreasonably quickly – on Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane.

The Soweto giants can take some solace from the fact they are still just five log points behind SuperSport United, who currently occupy second spot behind runaway leaders Sundowns. Yet, it’s also hard to believe that just seven points separate Chiefs and 15th-placed Maritzburg United, who dwell down in a relegation spot.

After 20 games played so far this season, Chiefs have won eight games, drawn four and lost eight. It’s left the club precariously placed in fifth spot on the DStv Premiership log, with just 28 points having been accumulated.

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Last season, Chiefs had accumulated 35 points from the first 20 games before a coaching shake-up took place.

So, would there be any sense in firing Zwane – particularly if Chiefs lose to Pirates this weekend? Below, we take a look at three possible reasons why Amakhosi may benefit from a coaching change, but we will also post ‘part two’ of this article on Wednesday afternoon to look at the alternative scenario of how Chiefs would benefit if they kept Zwane.

Part 1: Reasons to axe Chiefs coach

New broom sweeps clean

Great expectations have followed every move Zwane has made ever since stepping into the official head coach role prior to this season, but a new era hasn’t dawned quite as brightly as many would have hoped.

The one thing a coaching change would bring is a completely fresh perspective on certain players, while any newcomer would undoubtedly want to bring in trusted assistants of his own liking.

Yet, if the Chiefs bosses really felt a fresh start was needed, a new head coach would facilitate this.

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Fresh ideas on tactics

A common excuse from Zwane this season has revolved around how Chiefs “should of, and could of” won if they had executed better when it comes to taking opportunities.

However, at the end of the day a lot of responsibility has to fall on the shoulders of the coaching staff, and whether the tactics, game-plan and formations are bringing out the best in the players at their disposal.

There is no doubt that a different coach would bring a shake-up to the way Chiefs go about their business on and off the field, and some new tactical nous could be of benefit.

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Statement of intent

It’s clear that no PSL team can currently compete with Mamelodi Sundowns in the league, but what sort of heights should Chiefs be aiming for? Certainly, eight wins and just 28 log points from 20 games so far this season will never be viewed as good enough for the Soweto giants.

Earlier this week, sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jnr. admitted the results had left a lot to be desired, but he insisted there could be a turnaround with the correct support, environment and planning for the future.

That’s all fine and well, but if the remainder of Chiefs’ campaign proves to be a letdown, the club could make a serious statement about not tolerating mediocrity.

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