Belgian coach Luc Eymael says he remains hopeful that one day he will coach in the Soweto Derby. The experienced coach, who is currently without a club, has made it clear that managing either Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates in Africa’s biggest club game is a dream he has not given up on.

Speaking to KickOff, Eymael said coaching in the Soweto Derby would not feel like a far-fetched dream after the clubs he has already worked with in Africa. He has coached AS Vita Club, TP Mazembe, Simba SC and Eloi Lupopo. He believes this experience has prepared him for the pressure that comes with matches between the Glamour Boys and the Buccaneers.

“Coaching in the Soweto Derby is not a dream if you have coached AS Vita Club, TP Mazembe, Simba and Eloi Lupopo. It is something that could easily happen, and it would be fantastic for me to coach either Orlando Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs,” he said.

Eymael pointed out that Kaizer Chiefs have been in need of a coach for some time. He feels the club is more in need of a new man in charge than Orlando Pirates at the moment. He also highlighted his strong record in derby matches, saying he has never lost one in his career.

“I have been very fortunate in my career: I have never lost a derby. I have won several and drawn several, but never lost,” he added.

The coach, who previously won the Nedbank Cup with Free State Stars, said the atmosphere in the Soweto Derby is special. He noted that more than 80 000 fans often fill the stadium for the match. While he described the pressure as similar to big derbies he has been involved in elsewhere in Africa, he also spoke about the challenges he has faced in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania.

In those countries, he said, pitch invasions and chaotic scenes outside stadiums can be common. He believes the intensity of those matches has helped him understand what it takes to manage high-pressure games.

Eymael continues to look for coaching work in Africa. He remains optimistic that the opportunity to coach in the Soweto Derby will eventually come his way.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2111404795198120323