Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has weighed in on Amakhosi’s decision to part ways with co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, who are both reportedly on the verge of securing new moves within the Betway Premiership ahead of the new season.
The duo was thrust into the hot seat in September 2025, replacing Nasreddine Nabi, to whom they had been assistants. Under the co-coaching set up, Kaze and Ben Youssef managed to steer Chiefs to a Betway Premiership third-place finish.
That earned the Soweto giants the right to return to the CAF Confederation Cup next season. It was Amakhosi’s best league finish since the runners-up spot they claimed during the 2019/2020 season.
But Chiefs opted against keeping the two coaches beyond the just-ended term, with their contracts expiring at the end of June. As reported by FARPost, Chiefs are set to appoint Fernando da Cruz as their new head coach.
Also reported by this publication, Kaze is expected to be unveiled as the new Sekhukhune United coach. Ben Youssef has been linked with Nedbank Cup champions Durban City FC, who are preparing for a maiden Confed Cup campaign.
RIGHT TIME TO LET GO OF KAZE & BEN YOUSSEF? DANIEL AKPEYI SPEAKS OUT
Clarifying his stance during the 2026 Toyota Cup launch at Naturena on Tuesday, Akpeyi expressed confidence that the Amakhosi management knows what they are doing and are fully aware of the direction they are taking.
“Sometimes it depends on the decision the management wants to make to see how they can solidify other areas of the team. So this can boil down to decision-making,” said Akpeyi.
“Yes, you can say it turns out to be for the good or something else. But I would like to believe that the management knows what they are doing, and they only look forward to the best for the team, and I’m very sure they will be able to get a coach who will take the team further.”
The incoming Amakhosi coach would be under pressure to help the team improve on what Nabi, as well as Kaze and Ben Youssef built in the last two seasons. Nabi ended Chiefs’ 10-year trophy drought by delivering the 2025 Nedbank Cup, before the co-coaches managed a top–three league finish.
RELATED STORY: Kaizer Chiefs part ways with Cedric Kaze and Ben Youssef