Despite being keen on a move to the Amakhosi, the former Free State Stars boss appears unlikely to realise his ambitions with the PSL giants
Controversial Belgian tactician Luc Eymael appears set to have his hopes of coaching South African giants Kaizer Chiefs thwarted as the club appear to be closing in on local boss Gavin Hunt.
Even though Hunt had long appeared the favourite to replace Ernst Middendorp, former Young Africans boss Eymael spoke to Goal exclusively this week to outline his ambitions for the job, while noting that he had not been approached by the Glamour Boys.
“It would be in an honour [to coach Chiefs] but I have not been contacted,” the Belgian told Goal . “I’ve got my eyes on playing in the Caf Champions League.
Editors’ Picks
- Liverpool agree £20m Thiago fee as Reds close in on signing Bayern star
- ‘Messi was impossible but Ronaldo was close’ – The truth about Arsenal’s near-misses in the transfer market
- Why Man Utd won’t be signing Tottenham-bound Madrid duo Bale and Reguilon
- From spotting Fabregas to his shock exit – Francis Cagigao’s remarkable 24-year Arsenal story revealed
“So, the interest about Kaizer Chiefs, I have not been contacted, it’s speculation,” he added. “You cannot avoid speculation but let’s see what will happen.”
Ultimately, it looks like former Free State Stars manager, who left Tanzania in disgrace after likening local fans to monkeys in a racist tirade , has missed out to Hunt.
Eymael may have found it difficult to work in South Africa again anyway, after the South African Football Association vowed to write a letter to Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa not to grant the coach a work permit for the alleged racist remarks he made whilst in Tanzania.
Reports in the South African media on Thursday suggest that former Bidvest Wits coach Hunt is on the brink of being unveiled by the Glamour Boys , with an announcement expected imminently.
Hunt would bring a wealth of experience and PSL know-how to the job, having won a trio of PSL titles with SuperSport United.
He’s also a four-time PSL Coach of the Year, and won admirers again recently for the dignified way he handled the sale of Bidvest Wits during the final throes of that historic club.
Chiefs are on the hunt for a new manager after parting ways with Middendorp following an agonising conclusion to the PSL campaign.
Despite leading the table for almost the entirety of the elongated season, they were pipped at the death by rivals Mamelodi Sundowns after choking on the final day.
While Pitso Mosimane’s reigning champions defeated Black Leopards 3-0 comfortably on the last matchday of the campaign, Chiefs were held 1-1 by Baroka as their half-decade wait for the title continues.
Chiefs haven’t won the South African title since Stuart Baxter was at the helm in 2015, and have endured a disappointing time with head coaches in the intervening period.
As was as Solinas and Middendorp, Steve Komphela attempted to bring the glory days back to the club, but resigned in April 2018 after the shock Nedbank Cup semi-final defeat by Free State Stars.
