Football
Nick Said, Special to ESPN 6y

Kaizer Chiefs' tortuous search for new coach could run on

While Premier Soccer League rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates make key acquisitions to their squad, Kaizer Chiefs remain in limbo without a coach just a little over a week before they are due to return for pre-season training.

A feature of Chiefs' struggles in the past few seasons, which has seen them go trophyless since 2015, has been a shambolic transfer policy that has failed to deliver dividends, and it appears they are equally troubled in appointing a coach to replace Steve Komphela.

Former Chelsea and Ghana coach Avram Grant has been the favourite for some weeks, and the Israeli coach is keen to leave Indian side North East United.

Football manager at the club, Bobby Motaung, had suggested that they had their number one target in mind, and that he would be announced before pre-season begins. 

But if reports are true then Chiefs may be scuppered in their plans, with Greek side Panathinaikos having launched a bid for Grant's services. 

Though Chiefs could probably compete financially with the Greeks, the opportunity to coach in an established European league that brings with it UEFA club football and is closer to home would likely be more appealing for Grant.

If he does take the job there, it would take Chiefs back to square one and set back their bid to appoint a coach.

Chiefs may be hesitant to 'go local' again, but former Bafana Bafana coach Eric Tinkler, who has previously led Orlando Pirates, Cape Town City and SuperSport United, is reportedly another in the frame.

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