Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral has reacted to Amakhosi’s decision to retain Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef after parting ways with head coach Nasreddine Nabi.
The Tunisian arrived at Naturena in July 2024 with Ben Youssef as his first assistant coach before Kaze joined them three months later. But Nabi has now left, leaving the two behind as Chiefs co-coaches.
At the start of the season, Kaze and Ben Youssef led the Amakhosi bench for three games while Nabi was away on compassionate leave to attend to a family issue. The duo impressed while at the helm, guiding Amakhosi to three straight Betway Premiership victories in what was a bright start to the season by Chiefs.
But Nabi returned to take charge of three games before he vacated his position. And since the departure of the former Young Africans coach, Kaze and Ben Youssef have overseen eight games in all competitions.
They have led Chiefs to just two wins, four draws and two defeats, but the biggest blemish on their tenure has been the Carling Knockout Cup elimination by 10-man Stellenbosch FC.
ERTUGRAL WEIGHS IN ON CHIEFS’ COACHING DECISION
“Did Chiefs make the right call keeping Ben Youssef and Kaze? In today’s football, continuity is for me the most important factor, but only if it’s the identity and tactical continuity,” Ertugral told FARPost.
“I think the decisions made sense if they [management] allowed the coaches to build on the tactical and structural aspects that Nabi has left behind. What would I do in their shoes? At present yes, but for me rethink their roles. But they must evolve.
“Here’s what I’m really thinking: Chiefs have been through far too many resets. Sometimes, the bravest move is not always replacing a coach; for me, it is about empowering the one you have. It will take time. There are aslo too many grey zones in building a team that can play for honours.”
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