Kaizer Motaung Jr outlines vision for ‘high-level’ coaching at Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr has declared that elite-level coaching is a “non-negotiable” requirement at Naturena, following a significant academic milestone reached by the club’s technical staff.

The Amakhosi boss was reacting to the news that a trio of the club’s coaches—Rory Minnaar, Jimmy Jambo, and Unathi Mabena—have all successfully obtained their CAF A Licenses. The achievement reinforces the club’s mission to professionalise every tier of its football structure, from the youth ranks to the newly established women’s side.

Elite Qualifications for Elite Development At Kaizer Chiefs

Among the graduates is Rory Minnaar, the Kaizer Chiefs Youth Development Academy (KCYDA) goalkeeper coach. Minnaar’s achievement is particularly rare, as he becomes one of only five goalkeeper coaches in South Africa to hold the prestigious CAF A qualification.

Joining him is former Zimbabwe international and Chiefs left-back Jimmy Jambo, who currently leads the Amakhosi Under-15 side, and Unathi Mabena, the inaugural head coach of the Kaizer Chiefs Ladies team. Mabena is currently preparing the 24-woman squad for their maiden campaign in the SAFA Sasol League.

The trio joins an already decorated technical pool at the village, including Vela Khumalo and Mohammed Bhamjee, who also hold the elite badge.

Speaking on the significance of these qualifications, Motaung Jr emphasized that the club’s vision extends far beyond the senior men’s team.

“We are extremely proud of the trio. Coaches Jimmy, Rory, and Unathi have made us proud with this achievement, which allows them to coach at the highest level in international football,” Motaung Jr said.

“It’s a remarkable accomplishment for the club and our players. Modern football requires coaches to continuously stay up to date with the latest developments, and we want to ensure that high-level coaching is available not only for the senior team but across all seven teams representing Kaizer Chiefs.”

Imparting Knowledge Across the Board At Chiefs

With the club competing in various spheres—including the Gauteng Development League (GDL), the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC), and the Sasol League—Motaung Jr believes the investment in education will yield long-term dividends on the pitch.

“We trust in the ability of our coaches to impart their acquired knowledge and expertise to our boys in the KCYDA and with our young ladies,” he added.

As the “Glamour Boys” look to reclaim their status as the dominant force in South African football, this academic surge at Naturena signals a shift toward a more scientific and modern approach to player development.