Akpeyi backs Kaizer Chiefs’ management amid coaching shake-up

Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has shared his perspective on the club’s decision to release co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, despite the pair guiding the team to a third-place finish in the Betway Premiership.

Kaze and Ben Youssef, who had previously served as assistants, were appointed to lead the team in September 2025 following the departure of Nasreddine Nabi. Their leadership secured Amakhosi’s best league performance since the 2019/20 season, earning them a spot in the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup.

Despite this success, Chiefs chose not to renew the coaches’ contracts, which expired at the end of June. Reports suggest the Soweto giants are close to appointing Fernando da Cruz as their new head coach.

Meanwhile, the departed duo is reportedly set for new roles within the Premiership. Kaze is heavily linked with the head coach position at Sekhukhune United, while Ben Youssef is rumoured to be joining Nedbank Cup winners Durban City FC as they prepare for their own Confederation Cup debut.

Akpeyi weighs in on Chiefs coaching changes

Speaking at the 2026 Toyota Cup launch at Naturena, Akpeyi expressed his trust in the club’s leadership, suggesting the decision was part of a larger strategy.

“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,” Akpeyi stated as per FARPost.

“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. I’m very sure they will be able to get a coach who will take the team further.”

The incoming coach will face significant pressure to build on the progress made over the last two seasons. Nabi ended the club’s decade-long trophy drought with the 2025 Nedbank Cup, and his successors followed up with a commendable top-three league finish.