John Paintsil
Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela says former Ghana defender John Paintsil is experienced and dedicated, the reasons why he selected him as his assistant at the South African side.
Paintsil, 35, previously played under Komphela at Maritzburg United in the SA Premier Soccer League between 2013-2014, parting ways with the club last December before eventually hanging up his boots last week.
“I have worked with John before [at Maritzburg United] and at Chiefs we all know that pressure is immense – you’ve got to be addicted to pressure, and there is nothing that is more perfect than winning trophies," Komphela told journalists while unveiling his assistant.
"Paintsil has the pedigree, he has been to two World Cups – in 2006 and 2010.
“Paintsil has played in England for several teams, I worked with him at Maritzburg United, I know his personality, his character and his qualities, both technical and humanistic,” he said.
“At the back of having gone through a lot of searching and identifying, he came up as the candidate who topped the list and so we went for him.
“We are delighted to have him in this team and we are looking to add value at this wonderful club so that forever and ever it produces results,” he added.
Paintsil also expressed his delight for landing such a role at the club, adding that he already feels at home.
“It has been amazing and a great opportunity to be part of the Kaizer Chiefs family,” he said. “Since I joined the team a few days ago, I have a good feeling that I am not here alone, I will not be here alone because this is a family and I have seen great people around, including the chairman,” he added.
Paintsil was capped 95 times by Ghana, featuring in five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.