The contract status and performance of Kaizer Chiefs head coach contender Julien Chevalier has been revealed.
Kaizer Chiefs have intensified the search for a new man at the helm following a disappointing 2023/24 season. Amakhosi are currently in position 10 after their 1-0 loss to Richards Bay in a DStv Premiership encounter on Sunday.
Sunday’s loss was the 10th of the season, with just six games left before the curtain comes down on the season. The Soweto giants started the season with Molefi Ntseki at the helm after demoting Arthur Zwane, who held fort during the 2022/23 season.
Cavin Johnson stepped in as interim coach following Ntseki’s departure due to poor results. With results worsening under interim coach Cavin Johnson, Amakhosi have urgently ramped up their search for a permanent replacement.
Chevalier, currently managing Ivorian giants Asec Mimosas, is a strong candidate according to sources close to the club. Pitso Mosimane, Alexandre Santos, Rui Vitoria, Raul Caneda and Miguel Gamondi are some of the coaches being considered.
With Chevalier’s contract expiring in June and a desire for a new challenge, Chiefs seems like an appealing destination. The agency managing the highly-regarded coach has confirmed his contract status, adding to rumours of a potential move to South Africa.
While the agency declined to comment on specific offers, they acknowledged interest from several clubs. “We are exploring all options for Coach Chevalier’s future,” the agent stated.
JULIEN CHEVALIER’S IMPRESSIVE RECORD AT ASEC MIMOSAS
Chevalier has garnered attention for their impressive record at Asec. In the past three seasons, he has led the team to seven trophies including three successive league titles.
The Frenchman’s pedigree is undeniable. He has achieved remarkable success at Asec Mimosas, guiding them to three consecutive league titles (2021-2023). His coaching prowess extends beyond domestic dominance, as he steered the team to the CAF Champions League quarterfinals this year.
Across his 100 games in charge, the UEFA A Licence holder’s win rate is a staggering 61%, with 28 draws and only 10 losses. 2023 was a particularly fruitful year, with Asec reaching the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals and clinching the Coach of the Year award after just one league defeat.
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Having spent six years with the Asec academy, the 43-year-old mentor won several trophies with their youth team. His former youth players have flourished, with several now starring in top European leagues.
They include Konan Ghislain [Al-Fahya, Saudi Arabia], Kossonou Odilon [Bayer Leverkusen, Germany], Tapsoba Abdul-Fessal [Amiens SC, France], Kouao Koffi Franck [FC Metz, France], Traoré Benie [Nantes, France], Diakité Oumar [Reims, France] and Konate Karim [RB Salzburg, Austria].
Ghislain, Odilon and Oumar all played a part as The Elephants lifted the 2023 AFCON title on home soil in February. The 43-year-old coach’s proven ability to win trophies and develop strong teams makes him a frontrunner for the vacant coaching position.