Former Kaizer Chiefs coach, Arthur Zwane has embraced his new role with great optimism after being redeployed as the new Senior Academy Coach. 

Zwane slowly made his way up the coaching ranks at the Soweto Giants, moving from managing the academy teams to serving as the first assistant coach, and then caretaker coach until eventually being appointed team head coach in the 2022/23 season. 

The 50-year-old was eventually sacked after serving just one season, 2022/23, leading the team to a fifth-place league finish.

Mangethe however did not leave the club as after his sacking, he was demoted to assist new head coach, Molefi Nseki. 

Zwane was then dismissed in the middle of the previous season along with his head coach and other technical stuff. In August, the Chiefs loyalist remerged with a new role. 

The club technical director confirmed that the former head coach has been re-appointed as the new Senior academy coach, overlooking the development structures and scouting department. 

In embracing his new role at the Glamour Boys, Mangethe expounded, “I have always been a person who deals with projects. Ever since when I was a player, I used to have my  team, and we were number one for five years until I decided to sell the status.” 

Zwane expressed his long-lasting passion for talent young talent development by further explaining.

“I am mentioning that because it was a project, it was not about a promotion to the PSL but it was about trying to help the kids, mold them, develop them, channel them, and make sure that they do not lose hope.” 

Acknowledging the magnitude of the Chiefs brand, the Uefa B license holder asserted that mere appointment at the club comes with significant responsibilities despite the level or position. 

“So for me to be allowed to be on top and come back down, is still a massive opportunity. Just to be part of Kaizer Chiefs is a huge responsibility, and it does not matter on which capacity,” pronounced Zwane. 

Incapsulating his words of appreciation, “10111” stated, “The fact is that when you are a part of Kaizer Chiefs you are expected to perform at your highest level all the time at your utmost best. A lot of people are working but they are doing jobs they do not like, I think God and my ancestors blessed me with this job, and I appreciate it.” 

Zwane was in the stands when Chiefs reserve side beat Chippa United 2-1 in the DStv Diski Challenge at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Sunday, a clear indication that he is embracing the new challenge.

However, despite at times leaving the pitch under police escort as the head coach at Chiefs, Zwane holds the record in South Africa. He led Chiefs to the CAF Champions League final in 2021 as the caretaker coach, beating now Rulani Mokwena’s Wydad Casablanca in Morocco, becoming the first South African side to do so in the North African country.