Kaizer Chiefs legend hires Spanish coach for his Botswana club

Kaizer Chiefs legend Stanton Fredericks has hired highly-rated Spaniard Miguel Corral Torreria as the coach for his Botswana-based club Mochudi Centre Chiefs.

The former South African international unveiled the 34-year-old tactician as the new head coach of the Botswana Premier League side on Friday. The announcement effectively puts to bed earlier reports suggesting that former Tanzania giants Simba SC coach Dimitar Pantev was the frontrunner for the Mochudi-based club’s post.

In a statement, the former Kaizer Chiefs forward Fredericks shared the thinking behind the recruitment of the former handler for Malappuram FC in India’s Super League Kerala.

“Head Coach Torreira is the most qualified and progressive coach to ever work in our league. His credentials speak for themselves, but this appointment was not made on qualifications alone. We conducted a thorough and lengthy recruitment process to ensure we selected the right person to lead this project,” he said.

Fredericks owns Centre Chiefs FC through his consortium, Stanton Fredericks Sports Group, which signed a 15-year management contract.

What we know about Miguel Corral Torreria

Torreira, who also managed Herrera FC in Panama, has since expressed his eagerness to hit the ground running at Centre Chiefs.

“I would like to thank the club’s fans and directors for the trust they have shown in me. I am really looking forward to this challenge. I am here to be part of the project, and I cannot wait to meet the technical team and the players so we can start working together,” he said.

The Spaniard, who holds a UEFA Pro Licence, has filled the void created by Pontsho Moloi’s sacking last week.

Centre Chiefs say Torreria has a deep understanding of modern football, tactical versatility, and elite player development systems.

Torreria will lead a newly-constructed coaching panel which includes former Orlando Pirates Reserves goalkeeper coach Aubrey Vilakazi and Shagwa Mogwe, the Fitness, Strength and Conditioning coach.

On the playing personnel, the four-time FNB Premiership champions have signed former SuperSport United forward Evans Rusike to add firepower upfront.

Centre Chiefs lie in fifth place with 24 points, eight behind league leaders Gaborone United.