Amrouche on Chiefs' radar
Mqondisi Dube | Friday September 4, 2020 12:29
Chiefs coach, Ernest Middendorp has failed to win over fans despite the Soweto giants being in a strong position to win the league title.
It is highly unlikely Middendorp would be in the Amakhosi dugout next season, regardless of how he finishes the current campaign.
Chiefs lead Sundowns on goal difference heading into the last fixture of an extended season due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Chiefs have reportedly turned their attention to Amrouche, as one of the possible candidates to take over if Middendorp is shown the door.
The South African side was keen on Amrouche before he signed a three-year deal with the Zebras last year.
The Belgian is reportedly on a P250,000 salary and the cash-rich Amakhosi would not have problems putting a better offer on the table.
Chiefs corporate communications manager, Alpheus ‘Vina’ Maphosa said he was unaware of interest on Amrouche.
“(I) have not heard anything about this kind of talk,” was all Maphosa could say when contacted for comment. Amrouche’s phone rang unanswered when Mmegi Sport sought his reaction.
Botswana Football Association (BFA) president, Maclean Letshwiti said the coach is still contracted to the association, and any interested parties would have to inform the mother body first.
“He still has a contract with us. He is a good coach and will obviously attract interest, but thus far, nothing official has come to us,” Letshwiti said.
Amrouche has taken charge of two Zebras matches, losing one against Algeria while he earned his first point away to Zimbabwe last year.
However, the impact of COVID-19 has meant the former Kenya and Burundi national teams coach, has not faced further examination of his credentials.
However, CAF recently announced the resumption of 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, with the Zebras expected to face Zambia in back-to-back clashes in November.
Amrouche is seen as a progressive, modern day coach who fully utilises technology to monitor and analyse players’ performances.