Benni McCarthy: Former Manchester United Coach Explains How to Fix Kaizer Chiefs' Problem
- Benni McCarthy has shared how to fix Kaizer Chiefs' ongoing issues as the club are without a win in their last four matches
- The former Manchester United assistant coach also commented on the constant talks about the lack of quality in the Soweto giants' squad
- The former South African international highlighted what the Premier Soccer League giants are lacking and what they need to do
Former Manchester United assistant coach Benni McCarthy believes the problems facing Kaizer Chiefs originate from a mixture of ineffective leadership and a lack of proper guidance for players who are struggling to perform at their best.
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The Glamour Boys are currently on a poor run of form that has seen them lose four games in a row, with three of them coming in the Betway Premiership. The poor run of form is dominated by Amakhosi's defeat against Orlando Pirates in the first Soweto derby on Saturday, February, 2026.
Amakhosi have also been knocked out of all cup competitions, leaving them with the only option of finishing well in the Betway Premiership and also an opportunity of returning to continental football next season.
However, the club’s struggles extend far beyond the current season. Since lifting the league title in 2015, the Soweto giants have experienced a prolonged decline, managing to secure only a single piece of silverware, last season’s Nedbank Cup, during that period.
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McCarthy highlights what's holding Chiefs back
The team’s disappointing performances this season have led to criticism of co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, with some fans and pundits claiming that the squad itself lacks the quality needed to compete with rivals such as Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
McCarthy, who has been constantly linked with the club alongside Pitso Mosimane, however, disagrees with the assessment from fans and pundits. The UEFA Champions League winner insists the players possess enough ability, but believes both the club’s leadership and technical staff must take greater responsibility.
Speaking on SuperSport, McCarthy emphasised that success requires alignment throughout the club.
“Everyone must share the same vision and desire to achieve something,” he said. “The management must fulfil their responsibilities, and the technical team, including the coaches and support staff, also need to contribute effectively.”
The South African tactician stopped short of blaming the players. Instead, he believes they have been made to feel inadequate despite having the quality to compete with the league’s top sides.
McCarthy puzzled by players’ mentality
McCarthy suggested there appears to be a disconnect between the coaching staff and the current Kaizer Chiefs squad, which brings doubts to the work of Kaze and Ben Youssef at Naturena.
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“From the outside looking in, there seems to be a lack of balance between the coaches and the players,” he explained. “The team doesn’t perform with the pride and confidence you would expect from players representing Kaizer Chiefs and the legacy of the club’s legends.”
The former Orlando Pirates striker also pointed out the absence of unity and structure within the team, but remains convinced the squad has the potential to perform better.
“I don’t see cohesion or proper coordination at the moment,” he added. “But if the technical team can get everyone aligned, it’s possible to turn things around because there are very good players in that squad.”
McCarthy referenced recent matches against Richards Bay FC, Stellenbosch FC and the famous Soweto Derby all in the Betway Premiership, as examples where he felt the players lacked belief in themselves.
“In those games, it looked like some of the players felt they didn’t belong at Kaizer Chiefs or weren’t worthy of wearing the jersey,” he said. “Once you start thinking like that, it becomes impossible to succeed. You need to trust your ability, you’re at Chiefs because you deserve to be there.”
Chiefs will attempt to end their losing streak when they face fourth-placed Durban City FC in their next league match on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Ex-Pirates star dreams of coaching Chiefs
Briefly News earlier reported that a former Orlando Pirates forward harbours aspirations of coaching Kaizer Chiefs in the future.
The former Bafana Bafana star also mentioned an English Premier League giant as one of the clubs he dreams of managing in the future.
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Source: Briefly News
