Kaizer Chiefs  have ended long speculation on who will be their new head coach following the departure of Steve Khompela.

The Soweto based club announced that former Free State Stars coach Giovanni Solinas will take over the reins at Naturena.

The 50-year-old Italian had two stints at Free State Stars between 2015 and 2017 and returns to the Premier Soccer League in one of the league’s toughest jobs.

Solinas comes in two months after the depature of Khompela  and will take over from Patrick Mabhedi who was acting in the role.

Solinas’ first assignment at Chiefs will be a preseason friendly in the Shell Helix Cup against reigning PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB Stadium on 21 July.

Solinas has also coached teams in Algeria and most recently Saudi Arabian side Al-Faisaly FC.

The Italian resigned from his post as coach of Ea Lla Koto in May 2016 citing “personal reasons” for his decision with the club confirming it failed in its efforts to convince him to stay.

Solinas then re-joined Free State Stars in September 2016 for a second spell before having his contract terminated in January 2017 with the tactician then strongly linked to Orlando Pirates.

The newly-appointed Chiefs coach has a winning percentage of 36.11% while in charge of minnows FS Stars while faring slightly better at Al-Faisaly FC last season with a 40% record.

Chiefs have been strongly linked with former head coach and current Bafana Bafana mentor Stuart Baxter and made clear their aim to appoint a coach with continental experience.