Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela explains why he chose John Paintsil as his deputy

Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela believes John Paintsil was the best option of all the coaches available for the assistant coaching job at Naturena following his surprise selection as second-in-command.

Paintsil was on Monday revealed as the man taking over as Komphela's new deputy, having only retired last week following a long playing career that took him from his homeland in Ghana through to Israel and England before bringing it to an end at Maritzburg United.

'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. Paintsil has the pedigree, he has been to two World Cups - in 2006 and 2010,' Komphela said of the former West Ham United and Leicester City defender.

Komphela had initially identified Mandla Ncikazi as a possible candidate, but couldn't lure him away from his job at Golden Arrows.

'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.'

Paintsil, 35, has already armed himself with coaching badges and is excited at the prospect of the new job, held by club legend Doctor Khumalo for long periods in recent years.

'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 says.