Kaizer Chiefs Assistant Coach Cedric Kaze Driving Tactical Excellence
Kaizer Chiefs’ strong performances this season have highlighted the influence of assistant coach Cedric Kaze, who joined the club in October last year after Fernando da Cruz’s early departure. Kaze, a Burundian tactician with vast experience across Europe and Africa, has quickly established himself as a key figure in Nasreddine Nabi’s technical team.
Kaze works alongside Khalil Ben Youssef as one of two assistants to Nabi. His multilingual ability in English, French, and Spanish makes him an important bridge in communication both within the squad and the analysis team. More importantly, his tactical insight and training approach have been instrumental in the team’s improved structure.
Retired Burundian goalkeeper Aime Kitenge, who has followed Kaze’s career closely, describes him as a modern coach with top-level knowledge. “He is a student of the game and holds top badges. He has been to Barcelona, worked with the German Football Federation, Bayer Leverkusen, Schalke, and OGC Nice while doing his papers. So, he has football knowledge from the highest level,” Kitenge explains.
Kitenge, who played in South Africa for clubs including Jomo Cosmos and Maritzburg United, believes Kaze’s coaching qualities are now visible at Chiefs. “With regards to tactics, he is advanced, specific, and detailed. He specialises in reading the game and noting what the opponents are doing. That explains why he is the link to the club’s analysis team,” he adds.
Chiefs’ defensive record this season shows Kaze’s impact. The club managed to keep five consecutive clean sheets, a run that has impressed both analysts and supporters. His training sessions, described as game-oriented and highly organised, have strengthened the team’s tactical discipline.
Kitenge also believes Kaze’s value extends beyond Chiefs. “He is someone that I believe even our national team should consider giving full authority. His organisation is top notch and I’m not surprised Chiefs are doing so well this season,” he says.
Kaze’s appointment was strongly recommended by Nabi, who had worked with him in Tanzania. That decision is now proving crucial to Chiefs’ ambitions. With his experience, tactical sharpness, and ability to adapt modern coaching tools, Cedric Kaze has become one of the most influential figures in the club’s technical setup.
Kaizer Chiefs’ progress this season reflects not only Nabi’s leadership but also the depth of expertise brought in by assistants like Kaze, whose role continues to shape the club’s competitive edge.
