Cedric Kaze is set to be named as the new assistant coach for Kaizer Chiefs, filling the void left by Fernando Da Cruz. The Frenchman made a surprise move to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation last month after a brief two-month stint with Chiefs.
Next week could see the arrival of the Burundian, but only if the crucial visa hurdle is cleared in time. Kaze, who boasts a strong track record, previously worked with head coach Nasreddine Nabi. The highly-rated Burundian coach comes in as second assistant behind Khalil Ben Youssef. Together, they will work alongside head coach Nabi, with whom they previously enjoyed a successful partnership at Young Africans in Tanzania.
Kaze brings a wealth of experience and a meticulous approach to his role. The 45-year-old is a strong advocate for the ‘science of football,’ emphasising detailed planning, analysis, technique and tactics. This approach is underpinned by his Bachelor of Sport Science degree and reinforced by his CAF and German Football Federation A Licenses.
His impressive coaching CV includes four league titles with Burundi’s Atletico Olympic and Young Africans. He also had a successful stint with Mukura Victory Sports in Rwanda. Kaze has also held various roles within the Burundi national team setup. Notably, he spent two and a half years working with Barcelona’s youth teams.
HOW CEDRIC KAZE COMPLEMENTS NASREDDINE NABI
Senzo Mbatha, who recruited Kaze at Young Africans, highlights 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,” Mbatha told FARPost. “Kaze more of a technical coach who likes to drill technique and tactics and works closely with players.”
This complements Nabi’s more strategic and ‘hands-off’ style. “Nabi is a tactician who comes in, expects things to be done, and expects players to be ready… He is a thinker,” Mbatha explains.
Together, Nabi, Youssef, strength and conditioning coach Majdi Safi, goalkeeper coach Ilyes Mzoughi and Kaze are expected to create a balanced and dynamic coaching quintet. At Young Africans, Nabi and Kaze secured two league titles, two FA Cups, and two Community Shields.
Nabi has been tasked to turn around Kaizer Chiefs fortunes, having gone nine years without silverware. At Yanga, he ended a four-year trophy drought and will be hoping to do the same for Amakhosi.
Furthermore, Kaze’s fluency in six languages—French, Kirundi, Kiswahili, English, German, and Spanish—will be a valuable asset to the club.
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