The secret behind Kaze’s 21-match unbeaten run & how Chiefs could benefit
Cedric Kaze’s impressive 21-match unbeaten run as head coach of Young Africans has prompted a former player to identify the key factors that contributed to this achievement. These insights could prove valuable for Kaizer Chiefs as they seek to replicate such success.
The newly appointed Chiefs assistant coach previously worked as head coach for Yanga before returning to assist Nasreddine Nabi over two years. The Burundian mentor initially joined Yanga in October 2020 and quickly made an impact, leading the team to an unbeaten run in the entire first half of that season.
During his brief tenure of five months, he guided the team to an impressive unbeaten streak, encompassing 17 league matches and four Mapinduzi Cup games. Kaze led the team to the top of the league table and secured their first Mapinduzi Cup title in three years.
A loss to Coastal Union and a draw against Polisi Tanzania led to his dismissal. Since then, Yanga have been unable to reclaim the Mapinduzi Cup title.
YUSUPH ATHUMAN & SALUM PELEMBO ON WHAT KAZE BRINGS TO KAIZER CHIEFS
Yusuph Athuman, a former Yanga striker, praised Kaze’s defensive prowess, noting his ability to maintain clean sheets. Athuman believes Kaze’s coaching strengths can significantly enhance Nabi’s success at Amakhosi.
During his 17 league games that season, Yanga kept nine clean sheets, conceding 14 goals. They won 10 of their games, drew six times, and lost only once.
“He excels at organising defences and would be a valuable asset in that role. As head coach of Yanga, his teams consistently maintained clean sheets and were known to be strong defensively,” Athuman told FARPost.
“Even when he was coaching Namungo after leaving Yanga, the Yanga of last season that would easily score five goals in one game toiled to get a win over him. They scored a last-gasp winner and won 1-0 in that fixture.”
Together with Nabi, they won six trophies, including two league titles and two FA Cup titles. The 2021/22 season was Yanga’s best defensively, as they only conceded eight goals. The following season, they conceded 18, stretching their unbeaten run to 49 games.
Prominent Tanzanian analyst Salum Pelembo, a sports analyst for Magic FM and Channel 10, also highlighted Kaze’s defensive prowess as head coach at Yanga. “Kaze’s Yanga were very strong defensively and difficult to break down,” Pelembo said.
“That’s why they went 17 games unbeaten under Kaze. I’m sure Nabi will assign him to work on the defence, and he’ll definitely improve them.”
Athuman also praised Kaze’s unique perspective and his hands-on approach to coaching. “He actually trains with the players, which gives him a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses,” the striker explained.
KAIZER CHIEFS HAVE STRUGGLED DEFENSIVELY
The Soweto giants have struggled defensively in the last two seasons. Their biggest defeat was a 5-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns last season. They let in 30 goals last season and scored 25. In the 2022/23 season, their defence was breached 33 times under coach Arthur Zwane.
This season, they have conceded four goals in their four official fixtures so far.
Kaze’s appointment is expected to bolster Chiefs’ defensive capabilities, an area where the team has sought to improve.
His experience and expertise will be invaluable to Nabi as he continues to build a successful team.
Chiefs signed three defenders and a goalkeeper during the off-season. Rushwin Dortley and Inacio Miguel, two new acquisitions, have marshalled their defence, while Bradley Cross has slotted in well at left-back. Rwanda international goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari also joined them from TS Galaxy.
Pelembo believes that Kaze laid a strong foundation during his time at Yanga and that his partnership with Nabi will be beneficial for Chiefs. “At the time, Yanga didn’t have the kind of players and resources they have now,” Pelembo added. “With Kaze as an assistant coach, they can achieve even greater success.”
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