Alexandre Santos praised amid Kaizer Chiefs new head coach links
Alexandre Santos was praised by Pedro Gonçalves, the coach of the Angolan national team amid Kaizer Chiefs new head coach links. Gonçalves has high praise for his fellow countryman, Petro de Luanda coach Alexandre Santos. Going far as calling him a highly dedicated professional. Santos is strongly linked to the vacant Kaizer Chiefs coaching position. He recently secured his third consecutive Girabola league title with two games to spare.
Santos in talks with Kaizer Chiefs
Santos, a top candidate for the Chiefs job, hails from Portugal and is reportedly in preliminary discussions with the club. In an exclusive interview with SABC Sport after the COSAFA Technical Study Group Symposium in Johannesburg, Gonçalves applauded Santos’ achievements with Petro de Luanda.
“He’s very dedicated and a close friend. I’m delighted with the work he’s done at Petro. He’s the prime candidate for another title, which is crucial for the club,” Gonçalves stated.
Santos: Ready for bigger challenges
Acknowledging Santos’ potential move to Chiefs. Gonçalves hinted at the coach’s readiness for larger projects on the continent. Though he remained coy about a specific club from Soweto.
“It depends on his focus. I speak with him often, and he’s deeply involved with Petro, but his future decisions are his own,” Gonçalves added.
Santos is known for his strategic prowess and motivational skills. He has consistently kept Petro de Lunda among the top African teams. Under his leadership, the team reached the CAF Champions League semi-finals and group stages. But this season, they made it to the quarterfinals.
As his contract with Petro nears its end, Santos will lead the team in their final game of the season against Bravos do Maquis on Saturday.
Kaizer Chiefs’ future plans: Focus on Itumeleng Khune
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs are poised to make a significant announcement regarding Itumeleng Khune’s future. After honouring Khune for his 25 years of service. Speculation about the veteran goalkeeper’s next steps has been circling.
Despite Khune’s declaration to continue his football career. He may need to leave Chiefs to do so. The club previously indicated his one-year contract extension would be his last, and no updates have been provided since.
Khune’s potential departure and legacy
Sources suggest there won’t be any changes in Khune’s situation. Which could possibly prompt his move to another team. The alternative is retirement to maintain his legacy as a one-club player.
“The fact that nothing has been said about Khune’s future indicates what to expect. It was disappointing not to see him play in the season’s final games despite the team’s poor results,” a source revealed.
“Khune could still play for another two years or more, but the situation isn’t surprising. Many great Chiefs players have faced similar situations. Khune’s case is disappointing given his contributions during good and bad times.”