Kaizer Chiefs new assistant coach could arrive next week

Kaizer Chiefs new assistant coach could arrive next week, according to FARPost.

As previously reported, Cedric Kaze is poised to become the new coach for Chiefs alongside Nasreddine Nabi, filling the void left by Fernando Da Cruz. Da Cruz made a surprising exit to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation after just two months with the club, prompting Chiefs to seek Kaze’s expertise.

Fans could see Kaze arrive next week, provided he clears the crucial visa hurdle in time. The Burundian coach brings a strong track record, having previously collaborated with head coach Nasreddine Nabi. Kaze will serve as the second assistant behind Khalil Ben Youssef, forming a formidable coaching trio with Nabi, with whom he enjoyed success at Young Africans in Tanzania.

Kaze’s expertise: Focus on the science of football

Kaze, 45, offers a wealth of experience and a meticulous approach to coaching. As a staunch advocate for the ‘science of football,’ he prioritises detailed planning, analysis, technique, and tactics. His approach benefits from his Bachelor of Sport Science degree and both CAF and German Football Federation A Licences.

Kaze’s impressive coaching résumé includes four league titles with Burundi’s Atletico Olympic and Young Africans. He also excelled at Mukura Victory Sports in Rwanda and held various roles within the Burundi national team. Notably, he spent two and a half years working with Barcelona’s youth teams, further enhancing his credentials.

Player development: Commitment to excellence

Senzo Mbatha, who recruited Kaze at Young Africans, underscores his dedication and hands-on approach to player development. “He’s a hard worker who believes in the science of football. He’s very focused on planning and analysis,” said Mbatha. “Kaze is more of a technical coach who likes to drill technique and tactics and works closely with players.”

This coaching style complements Nabi’s strategic and ‘hands-off’ approach. “Nabi is a tactician who comes in, expects things to be done, and expects players to be ready… He is a thinker,” Mbatha explains.

Dynamic coaching quintet for Chiefs

Together, Nabi, Youssef, strength and conditioning coach Majdi Safi, goalkeeper coach Ilyes Mzoughi, and Kaze form a balanced and dynamic coaching quintet. At Young Africans, Nabi and Kaze achieved remarkable success, securing two league titles, two FA Cups, and two Community Shields.

Nabi faces the challenge of turning around Kaizer Chiefs’ fortunes, especially after the club has gone nine years without silverware. At Young Africans, he ended a four-year trophy drought and aims to replicate that success with Amakhosi.