Former Kaizer Chiefs Co-Coaches Cedric Kaze and Ben Youssef Set for Early Reunion in the 2026/27 PSL Season
The 2026/27 Premier Soccer League season is set to begin with an intriguing storyline as former Kaizer Chiefs co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Ben Youssef prepare to face each other in their new managerial roles. After working together at Chiefs and helping the club secure one of its strongest league finishes in more than a decade, the pair will now be rivals on opposite benches. Their opening encounter promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the new campaign, with both coaches eager to make a positive impression at their respective clubs. Having shared the same technical area just a few months ago, they now find themselves leading different teams with ambitious goals. The match will not only showcase two promising coaches but also highlight the competitive nature of the Premier Soccer League.
Kaze and Ben Youssef played an important role in Kaizer Chiefs’ successful 2025/26 campaign, guiding the club to a third-place finish in the league standings. It was Chiefs’ highest league position in 11 years and ensured qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup for a second consecutive season. The achievement represented significant progress for a club that has been working to re-establish itself among South Africa’s elite. Their tactical discipline, player management and ability to maintain consistency throughout the season earned praise from supporters and football observers. Although they have since moved on to new opportunities, their contributions to Chiefs’ revival remain an important part of the club’s recent history.
Cedric Kaze has now taken charge of Sekhukhune United on an initial one-year contract, with options to extend the agreement based on the team’s performance. The appointment presents both an exciting opportunity and a significant challenge for the experienced coach. Sekhukhune United has developed a reputation for frequently changing head coaches, making stability one of the club’s biggest priorities. Over the past few years, several coaches have occupied the position, including MacDonald Makhubedu, Kaitano Tembo, Brandon Truter, Lehlohonolo Seema, Peter Hyballa and Eric Tinkler. Kaze will be determined to break that trend by delivering consistent results and establishing a long-term project.
The expectations at Sekhukhune United are high following the club’s fifth-place finish last season. Management will be hoping Kaze can guide the team into the top four while also improving performances in domestic cup competitions. His qualifications, including both a CAF A Licence and a German Football Federation A Licence, underline his technical knowledge and commitment to continuous development. The club believes his tactical understanding and leadership qualities can help elevate the squad to another level. Success during his first season could secure the longer-term future built into his contract.
Meanwhile, Ben Youssef has accepted the challenge of leading Durban City into an exciting new chapter. The club also enjoyed a successful campaign last season by finishing in the top eight and winning the Nedbank Cup, which secured qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup. Competing in continental football will place additional demands on the squad and coaching staff throughout the season. Ben Youssef’s appointment reflects the club’s desire to build on recent success while ensuring they meet the technical requirements for CAF competitions. Holding a CAF A Licence allows him to lead the team from the bench during continental matches, making him a valuable appointment for Durban City’s ambitions.
Before becoming a head coach, Ben Youssef built his reputation as a trusted assistant under Nasreddine Nabi. The Tunisian worked alongside Nabi at Young Africans, AS FAR and Kaizer Chiefs, gaining valuable experience at some of African football’s biggest clubs. Those experiences exposed him to high-pressure environments, title challenges and continental competitions. Working under an accomplished coach provided him with opportunities to develop his tactical knowledge and leadership skills. Now leading his own team, Ben Youssef has the opportunity to demonstrate that he can successfully apply those lessons as a head coach.
According to the draft Premier Soccer League fixtures, pending final approval, Sekhukhune United and Durban City are scheduled to meet on August 1 at Peter Mokaba Stadium. The match is expected to kick off at 6:00 pm and will be one of six fixtures taking place on the opening day of the new season. Both coaches will be eager to begin their new journeys with a victory, making the encounter one of the most anticipated matches of the opening weekend. Familiarity between the two managers could add an extra tactical dimension to the contest. Each coach understands the other’s methods, which may result in a closely contested battle.
The challenges continue immediately after the opening league fixture as both clubs prepare for the MTN8 quarterfinals. Sekhukhune United will travel to face AmaZulu in a demanding away fixture, while Durban City will take on Orlando Pirates away from home. These matches will provide an early indication of how quickly both coaches can adapt to their new environments. Success in knockout competitions often builds confidence and momentum for the league campaign. With little time to rest between matches, squad management and tactical preparation will become increasingly important.
Cedric Kaze’s schedule becomes even more demanding as August progresses. Following the MTN8 quarterfinals, Sekhukhune United will travel to FNB Stadium to face Kaizer Chiefs in a fixture that will reunite Kaze with many of the players he worked with last season. The emotional aspect of returning to his former club will add another interesting layer to the match. After hosting Polokwane City, Sekhukhune will then make another difficult trip to face Orlando Pirates in Soweto. Those early fixtures represent a demanding test that could shape the direction of Kaze’s first season in charge.
The opening weeks of the 2026/27 Premier Soccer League season promise to deliver excitement, compelling storylines and important early tests for clubs across the country. The reunion between Cedric Kaze and Ben Youssef stands out as one of the most fascinating narratives as two former colleagues begin new chapters in their coaching careers. Both men leave Kaizer Chiefs with valuable experience and now have the opportunity to establish themselves as successful head coaches in their own right. Their first meeting on opposite benches will provide an early measure of their progress while setting the tone for the months ahead. As the new campaign gets underway, supporters will be watching closely to see which former Kaizer Chiefs coach enjoys the stronger start in what promises to be a highly competitive Premier Soccer League season.
