Khuse and Khumalo make it look so easy
At 39, Donald "Ace" Khuse is the senior partner while Doctor Khumalo, 35, is the legend who has played more times - 397 - for Kaizer Chiefs than anyone else. His goal count of 74 for the club is only 11 short of top scorer Marks Maponyane.
Khuse himself wasn't bad in front of goal, hitting the back of the net 51 times in his 174 games for Amakhosi.
The pair have been handed the job (some would say nightmare) of coaching Chiefs till May 17, when Amakhosi are scheduled to play their final game of the season against Bush Bucks, or a week later if they make the final of the NSL Cup.
Khuse and Khumalo, installed as assistants to Muhsin Ertugral at the start of the season, were handed the task of steering the team when Ertugral was side-lined after a disappointing string of results.
"We couldn't get a replacement coach overnight, there was no time," said Amakhosi boss Kaizer Motaung. "Anyway, Ace had been assistant for some time."
After a training session on Wednesday, Khuse, who spent four-and-a-half years playing in Turkey, recalled how he planned to go into coaching.
"It had been an ambition for a long time to coach once I retired. Overseas I always took note of how our coaches did their jobs, I kept a diary of drills that impressed me."
Three years ago Khuse quit as an active player and Khumalo's career was effectively cut short last March when a gunman burst into a Soweto wedding celebration, shooting the footballer in the leg.
Khuse said that when he and Khumalo were offered the job, they didn't have to think twice. "We couldn't let the chance slip by, even though there's hardly any difference when it comes to the pressure of coaching or playing for Chiefs, both are very difficult," said Khuse, "whether as a player or coach you have to produce."
And with the help of a squad that Khuse says is no longer afraid, the coaching duo have produced.
Going into Sunday's match against Ajax, Chiefs are unbeaten in the league in nine games since November 9. They've picked up 19 points from a possible 27 and along the way scored 13 goals and conceded just three.
"We are pleased, especially when you look at where we were. Though with a bit of luck we could have done a little better," said Motaung who disagreed with the theory that Khuse and Khumalo were "too close" to the players.
"I have not been afraid of that, Doc commands a lot of respect from the younger players and I always make sure I'm there to help and give guidance."
Coach Khuse is aware of the potential problem. "The first thing is discipline, then you have to let them know you are no longer one of them. We have a huge squad and they're all aware what is expected."
Khuse pointed out that himself and Khumalo are very much their own men in the running of the team.
"The president (Kaizer Motaung) has given us this task, nobody tells us what to do. The two of us select the team and decide on tactics and substitutions during games, he doesn't want to interfere.
"Things have started to turn around, the guys are picking up, the confidence is high," said Khuse. "The players are no longer scared of making mistakes."
Whenever a Chiefs team go onto the pitch these days, they have the freedom to express their skills and play their style, said Khuse, "as long as they stick to the tactical discipline we demand".
Amakhosi manager Bobby Motaung said it had been a smooth transition onto the bench for Khumalo. "Doc's used to all the pressure, he knows what's going on. It can be difficult for coaches who have not played top level before, but for Doc it's been easy."
To help relieve the pressure Khuse plays tennis and two months ago took up golf.
"A caddie at a Randfontein golf club has been coaching me, it's coming on and I'm enjoying it but I just don't have enough time to practice."
It will probably be a few months before the former midfielder gets that extra time, and if Chiefs maintain their present form Khuse might have to put golf on the backburner a while longer.
But then he won't mind that much, as long as Chiefs are winning and playing the kind of soccer that pulls in the fans.
Khuse and Khumalo face their next test against Ajax at Newlands on Sunday.
Fact file
Ace Khuse
Full name: Donald Themba Khuse
Date of birth: September 8 1963 in Randfontein
Turned professional: 1982
Playing career: Orlando Pirates (42 games, eight goals), Sundowns (67/12), Chiefs (174/51), Antalayaspor, Genclerbirligi (both Turkey)
International debut: SA 1 Cameroon 0 (July 7 1992)
Last cap: SA 2 Zambia 2 (Nov 22 1995)
International Appearances: 16
Doc Khumalo
Full name: Doctor Theophillius Khumalo
Date of birth: June 26 1967 in Soweto
Turned professional: 1987
Chiefs debut: Rangers 0 Chiefs 3 (Top 8 Cup final, February 1987)
First goal: Pirates 1 Chiefs 2 (March 14 '87)
Playing career: Chiefs (397 games, 74 goals), Ferrocarril Oeste (Argentina), Columbus Crew (US, 32/6)
International debut: SA 1 Cameroon 0 (July 7 1992)
Last cap: SA 2 Malawi 0 (July 14, 2001)
International appearances: 50, nine goals