Do Kaze and Ben Youssef have a future at Chiefs? Kaizer Jr responds

Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr has commented on the future of the club’s coaching team led by Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.

Ben Youssef and Kaze were retained by Chiefs when coach Nasreddine Nabi left the club in September over unclear reasons, the club opting to continue with the veteran Tunisian tactician’s assistants, instead of bringing in a new man in the dugout.

Since then, the two coaches have led Chiefs in 10 matches with four wins, three draws and two losses, which has seen them move to third on the PSL table on 22 points from 11 matches, three behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played one game more.

Kaizer Jr lauds Kaze and Ben Youssef’s job

Kaizer Motaung Jr during pre-season camp in Holland. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

Chiefs are also in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages and had won three matches on the bounce before the November international break.

Motaung Jr acknowledges that the two have done a commendable job but is not giving them assurances about their future.

“We have a great technical staff and at the moment we’re sitting in a good position on the log, so we’re focused on our process,” he told the media. “I think coach Kaze and coach Khalil have done a tremendous job.”

The 44-year-old then explained why Chiefs opted to retain Nabi’s assistants while making it clear that results will decide their future after they were installed in a co-coaching capacity until the end of the season.

Do the two coaches have a future at Chiefs?

Kaizer Chiefs coaches Khalil Ben Youssef left and Cedric Kaze. Photo Kaizer Chiefs

“They have been with this team since last year, and they’ve been part of the process in terms of our recruitment, so we are focused on creating an environment where they can give their best, and we will take it game by game,” he added.

“We will look at their futures at the end of the season and take it from there, but right now we’re excited with them.”

Chiefs are looking to win the league after a 10-year wait while there is also pressure to conquer on the continent with the Confederation Cup their main focus ahead of the group stage action when they take on Egyptian sides Zamalek and Al Masry as well as Zesco United from Zambia.