Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef Emerge as Key Figures in Kaizer Chiefs’ Technical Setup

Kaizer Chiefs’ technical team continues to draw positive attention, with assistant coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef receiving high praise for their contributions behind the scenes. As right-hand men to head coach Nasreddine Nabi, the duo has been instrumental in shaping the team’s structure, tactics, and recruitment over the past season.

Nabi personally selected Kaze and Ben Youssef to support him when he took charge of the club at the start of last season. Their synergy and shared vision have brought much-needed direction to a Chiefs side undergoing transition and looking to reclaim its status as a domestic powerhouse.

Ben Youssef, a fellow Tunisian, joined the Amakhosi during their pre-season camp in Turkey. He immediately stepped into a pivotal role, and when Nabi was suspended in January, he assumed responsibility on the touchline for two matches. His calm demeanour, tactical clarity, and preparation methods earned internal commendation from the club’s hierarchy and players alike.

However, it is Cedric Kaze who has been especially singled out for his meticulous approach and leadership qualities. The Burundian coach, who joined in October following the early departure of Fernando da Cruz, has become a central figure in the day-to-day running of the technical team.

Kaze’s contributions span across training session design, coordination with analysts and scouts, performance monitoring, and recruitment strategy. His CAF A Licence certification reflects his technical pedigree, but it is his personal touch and adaptability that have made a lasting impression.

One of his standout contributions came in the form of recruitment. Kaze played a significant role in the signing of Glody Makabi Lilepo, whose arrival in January has already proven fruitful for the club. His scouting input and familiarity with the player were influential in securing the deal.

Kaze’s multilingual abilities have also enriched the team environment. Fluent in English, French, Spanish, and Swahili, he has created an inclusive atmosphere that resonates especially well with Chiefs’ growing contingent of East African players. This includes ongoing targets such as Feisal ‘Fei Toto’ Salum, who would benefit from Kaze’s East African football knowledge and linguistic ease.

Looking ahead, Kaze is expected to lead a sizeable part of Chiefs’ preparations for the 2025/26 pre-season, which includes a training camp in the Netherlands. His prior experience working under Nabi at Young Africans in Tanzania is proving invaluable, even though he did not accompany him to his brief stint in Morocco.

With both Kaze and Ben Youssef continuing to impress, Kaizer Chiefs appear to have found a balanced and highly competent technical team. Their behind-the-scenes efforts are quietly laying the foundation for what the club hopes will be a successful new era.