In the aftermath of Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze’s exit from Kaizer Chiefs, former midfielder Willard Katsande said “the club needs a coach who knows how to manage egos” on and off the field.
Kaizer Chiefs parted ways with co-coaches Ben Youssef and Kaze on Tuesday as their contracts were due to expire. The decision came after the club’s management and technical team reviewed the just-ended season. Under Kaze and Ben Youssef, Chiefs achieved their best league finish in six years.
The team moved from ninth place in the 2024/25 season to third in the 2025/26 season, a commendable achievement that secured them a place in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Kaze and Ben Youssef were not fan favourites, but in the end, their work gave fans some hope again after a few tough years in the Betway Premiership. Now, Chiefs are bracing for a new chapter under a new coach.
KAIZER CHIEFS NEEDS SOMEONE WHO COMMANDS RESPECT, SAYS WILLARD KATSANDE
Katsande believes the incoming coach must have a strong hand in managing egos at Kaizer Chiefs, both in the dressing room and at all levels.
“What the club really needs right now is a manager with the presence to manage big egos without losing control of the dressing room,” Katsande said.
“Someone who commands respect, treats the players well, but doesn’t shy away from setting standards. Most importantly, someone who can change the culture by bringing a winning mentality and making it the baseline expectation every week.”
Speaking to FARPost, Katsande said letting Kaze and Ben Youssef go was more of a “business decision.”
“The changes with the co-coaches weren’t personal. They were made as a business decision. Pirates lifting the league title only added to the pressure on us,” he added.
“From early on, the club knew that finishing in a Champions League spot was non-negotiable before the season ended. The Confederation Cup is still an option, but without a cup run to fall back on, this kind of outcome was almost inevitable.”
“Even so, credit to them. They put in the work, secured third place, and finished the season strongly. We respect that and wish them all the best going forward.”
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