Amakhosi are in the process of appointing a new head coach following the departure of interim co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef.

The pair stepped in after Nasreddine Nabi's exit and guided Chiefs to a third-place finish in the Betway Premiership, securing CAF Confederation Cup qualification for a second successive season.

French-born Fernando Cruz reportedly in line for the top job. Cruz arrived at Naturena as part of Nabi's backroom staff but left midway through his stint to join the Moroccan Football Federation. He is now expected to take charge ahead of the new season.

With Chiefs looking to build on the progress made last season, Tshabalala believes the club cannot afford to keep changing direction every time a new coach arrives.

The former Amakhosi captain insists the club's philosophy should remain constant, with coaches expected to adapt to it rather than impose their own ideas.

"There has to be a buy-in from the coach because if you have a buy-in from the club, the coach would represent his own philosophy, his own plan, and if he does not find success in that, he's going to leave," Tshabalala told iDiski Times.

"And whoever comes in they're going to change and bring their own philosophy, so there won't be progress in that regard. But if it's the club, you know, these are the values of the club, this is the philosophy of the club, this is the identity, we work on that."

Tshabalala acknowledged that while finishing third may not be considered a major achievement by Chiefs standards, it represents a significant step forward compared to previous seasons.

The 41-year-old, however, expects the demands on the team to increase next season as they compete domestically and on the continent.

"So, this season it's war. There'll be more pressure as well and they should take it and embrace it," he said.

"And whoever comes in, they understand that they are coming into an environment where there's pressure and where there's less patience from the fans and the players must step up quickly."

Tshabalala concluded by reiterating that long-term success will only be possible if everyone at the club - from the coach to the players - fully commits to a shared vision.

"But, like I said before, the most important thing when it comes to the philosophy and the identity is that the coach must have a buy-in from the club, not the other way around."

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