Cedric Kaze: The Coach at the Center of Kaizer Chiefs’ New Era
Few figures in South African football have experienced such a rapid rise in visibility as Cedric Kaze. Once known primarily as a trusted assistant and tactical analyst working behind the scenes, the Burundian coach has now become one of the most discussed names around Kaizer Chiefs as the club weighs a major decision about its future.
After helping guide Amakhosi to a third-place finish in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, Kaze has emerged as both a symbol of stability and a possible architect of the club’s rebuild. Yet despite the progress made, uncertainty still surrounds whether he and co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef will continue leading the Soweto giants next season.
The debate has intensified because Kaizer Chiefs are no longer simply looking for short-term recovery. The club is searching for a pathway back to trophies, continental relevance, and sustained dominance in South African football.
From Assistant Coach to Leading Figure
Cedric Kaze arrived at Kaizer Chiefs as part of Nasreddine Nabi’s technical team in October 2024. The club appointed him as assistant coach after the unexpected departure of Fernando Da Cruz.
His appointment was viewed as strategic. Kaze already had a successful working relationship with Nabi from their time together at Young Africans (Yanga SC), where they won six trophies in two seasons.
But Kaze brought far more than familiarity.
The Burundian tactician had already built a broad coaching résumé that included work with Burundi’s senior national team as well as the country’s U17, U20, and U23 sides. Reports also highlighted his experience within FC Barcelona’s youth structures, contributing to his reputation as a coach focused on tactical planning, player development, and modern football methodology.
His multilingual ability also made him invaluable inside the dressing room. Kaze reportedly speaks French, Kirundi, Kiswahili, English, German, and Spanish, helping bridge communication gaps within an increasingly international technical team.
At first, he operated largely in the background. But circumstances at Naturena quickly changed.
The Turning Point After Nabi’s Exit
Kaizer Chiefs entered a period of uncertainty after parting ways with head coach Nasreddine Nabi midway through the campaign. That decision thrust Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef into joint leadership roles for the remainder of the season.
What followed was one of the club’s most improved league campaigns in years.
Chiefs finished third in the Betway Premiership with 54 points from 30 matches, securing qualification for next season’s CAF competition and earning a return to the MTN8 tournament.
The improvement was significant considering the club had finished ninth the previous season and failed to reach the Top Eight.
Kaze and Ben Youssef were suddenly no longer viewed merely as interim caretakers. They had become serious candidates to continue leading the team.
“We Have Brought Back Belief”
Following the season-ending 1-0 defeat to Chippa United at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Cedric Kaze addressed speculation surrounding his future with striking honesty.
“It’s up to the board next week; probably we will meet to assess the season as well as the coaches,” Kaze said during the post-match press conference.
The coach emphasized that discussions with management would include recommendations on how the club should move forward.
“The report we will submit at the end of the season to the club management will also be recommendations about what should be done because we know the expectations next season are going to be high and this club needs to play for trophies.”
Even while defending the progress made, Kaze admitted he was not fully satisfied with the season.
“I’m not happy with the season; I’m sure we could have done better in some matches and winning trophies. But I’m confident about the future. We have set standards.”
Perhaps his most important statement, however, reflected the psychological transformation inside the club:
“We have brought back belief and pride to the team.”
For Kaizer Chiefs supporters, those words carried weight.
Defensive Improvement and Tactical Structure
One of the strongest arguments in favor of retaining Kaze has been the noticeable improvement in the team’s defensive organization.
Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr publicly acknowledged the technical staff’s contribution to the club’s resurgence.
“I think everyone can see the defensive improvement within the team and the positive goal difference we’ve achieved, which is among our best in recent years,” Motaung Jr said on SuperSport TV.
He credited the coaching staff, recruitment department, and players for the progress made during the campaign.
According to multiple reports, Chiefs’ improved structure and discipline became one of the defining characteristics of the Kaze-Ben Youssef era.
The team also finally surpassed the 50-point mark in the league for the first time in several years, a milestone Kaze described as evidence that the club was taking important steps toward a brighter future.
Commitment to Youth Development
Another area where Kaze earned praise was youth integration.
Throughout the campaign, Kaizer Chiefs increasingly trusted younger players, signaling a shift toward long-term rebuilding rather than short-term fixes.
Motaung Jr highlighted this approach after the final match of the season, noting that the average age of the squad on the field was approximately 20 or 21 years old.
The club also handed a debut to 18-year-old goalkeeper Takalani, who reportedly became Chiefs’ youngest goalkeeper debutant since 1998.
For Kaze, youth development is not merely symbolic. It reflects his coaching philosophy.
His earlier work with national youth teams in Burundi and experience in development systems abroad appear to have influenced his belief in building sustainable football structures rather than relying entirely on established veterans.
The Debate Around His Future
Despite the progress, the future of Cedric Kaze remains unresolved.
Reports suggest Kaizer Chiefs management will review technical reports before deciding whether to continue with the current coaching setup or appoint a new permanent head coach.
Speculation linking experienced coach Pitso Mosimane with the club has only intensified discussions around Kaze’s position.
At the same time, some supporters believe the club should reward continuity after years of instability.
Kaze himself appears aware that results have strengthened his position.
“I’m hoping that we have made it difficult for the board with the results this season,” he said after Chiefs’ final league game.
That statement reflected quiet confidence rather than arrogance.
Importantly, Kaze also stressed that discussions with management remain respectful and constructive.
“It’s going to be a discussion between two parties that have lived together well,” he explained.
Why This Matters for Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs are one of the most followed football clubs in Africa, and expectations around the club remain enormous.
For years, supporters have demanded a return to title contention after falling behind rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Under Kaze and Ben Youssef, Chiefs showed signs of narrowing that gap.
The club not only improved its league position but also rediscovered competitive structure, defensive discipline, and greater consistency.
Pretoria News described the campaign as evidence that Chiefs were once again beginning to compete with South Africa’s top sides.
Still, football at a club like Chiefs is ultimately judged by trophies.
Kaze openly acknowledged that reality when he said the club “needs to play for trophies.”
That pressure will shape whatever decision management makes next.
A Coach Defined by Calm and Structure
What has stood out most about Cedric Kaze throughout this period is composure.
Whether handling media pressure, navigating internal uncertainty, or managing a demanding fanbase, he has consistently projected calm authority.
Observers have increasingly described him as tactically meticulous and detail-oriented.
His influence has extended beyond matchday decisions. He has helped reshape the club’s football identity around structure, discipline, and belief.
For a club rebuilding its confidence after difficult seasons, those qualities may prove just as valuable as immediate silverware.
What Happens Next?
The coming weeks are likely to define Cedric Kaze’s future.
Kaizer Chiefs’ hierarchy must now decide whether the progress made under the current coaching structure is enough to justify continuity or whether the club should pursue a bigger-profile appointment.
Either way, Kaze’s reputation has grown substantially during this campaign.
He arrived at Naturena as an assistant coach known mainly within football circles. He now leaves the season as one of the central figures in South African football conversations.
And regardless of the final decision, the 2025/26 season may ultimately be remembered as the campaign that transformed Cedric Kaze from a supporting figure into a serious managerial force.
