Kaizer Chiefs coach explains he is the best man for the job – ‘I know what I’m capable of’

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has hit back at critics questioning his qualifications, dismissing claims that he is merely a translator who found his way into a top coaching position at the Soweto giants.

The Burundian tactician, who shares coaching duties with Khalil Ben Youssef after Nasreddine Nabi’s departure, has been the subject of public and social media scrutiny regarding his suitability for the role at Naturena.

“Football is quite difficult, and on social media, everyone thinks their opinions are important,” he stated following a 2-0 victory against TS Galaxy on Sunday as per iDiski Times. “But the biggest thing is the trust we have from the club and the trust we have in ourselves.”

Extensive CV for Kaizer Chiefs coach

Contrary to the narrative of being an inexperienced figure, Kaze boasts a comprehensive coaching background spanning several countries. His career began in 2007 as an assistant coach for Burundi’s U17 national team, and he went on to work with the senior, U20, and U23 squads until 2015.

His journey then took him to Canada, where he worked at a youth football institution before a two-and-a-half-year stint at an FC Barcelona satellite academy. He also served as an assistant to Nabi at Young Africans in Tanzania, contributing to their two Tanzanian Premier League titles and CAF Confederation Cup final appearance.

Kaze on why he is at Naturena on merit

“This is the biggest club in South Africa. I was born in a small country, Burundi—what are the odds that I’d be here?” he reflected. “It means I have been in very big spaces, and these comments don’t hurt me personally.”

“I know what I am capable of, and with the trust we have from the club, we will do everything we can to place the team where it belongs.”

His credentials were recently reinforced during the March FIFA international break when the Burundi Football Federation appointed him as a Technical Advisor for their AFCON 2027 preliminary qualifiers against Chad.

Burundi delivered dominant performances in both matches, winning 8-0 on aggregate.