Kaizer Chiefs coach lauded for masterminding 8-0 national team win

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has received praise after helping his country Burundi seal a place in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Kaze accepted an invitation from the Burundi Football Federation (FFB) to serve as a technical advisor for the national team’s AFCON 2027 preliminary qualifiers against Chad and under his guidance, Burundi delivered a dominant performance, securing an emphatic 8-0 aggregate victory.

The Swallows won both legs of the qualifier with identical 4-0 scorelines, a historic achievement for the nation.

Kaze’s presence made a difference

This commanding win ensures Burundi’s progression to the main group stages of the qualifiers, which are scheduled to take place from September to November with next year’s continental tournament set to be staged in East Africa, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Former Burundi international goalkeeper Aime Kitenge praised Kaze’s contribution, highlighting the immediate effect he had on the squad.

“His presence has made a huge difference and brought a refreshing feel to the national team,” Kitenge told KickOff. “It is the first time in Burundian history that we have won both legs so convincingly. Cedric understands football, knows what he is doing, and it has shown in the one camp he has been here,” he added.

Kaizer Chiefs coach earn high praise

Kitenge, who is Burundi’s longest-serving footballer in South Africa, emphasised the respect Kaze commanded within the camp.

“The people I have spoken to here in Burundi about him have all been impressed because he came here and they listened to him,” Kitenge further stated. “That technical advisor role needs to be held by someone they respect, and I’m glad they respect his ideas. His influence was visible in the team.”

Kaze will be hoping to have a similar impact on Chiefs in the final two months of the season as they vie to finish in the top three and seal a ticket to next year’s CAF Confederation Cup.