Kaizer Chiefs Co-Coach Cedric Kaze Confident Club Is Ready for Silverware After Strong 2024/25 Season Finish

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze believes the club has laid a solid foundation that will lead to trophies and stronger performances next season. Chiefs ended their Betway Premiership campaign in third place on 54 points, marking one of their best finishes in recent years since last lifting the league title 11 years ago. The improvement in league position has created renewed optimism within the club despite ongoing pressure and expectations from supporters. Kaze has pointed out that the progress made this season is only the beginning of a larger rebuilding process. He insists that the team now has the structure and belief needed to challenge for major honours.

The performance levels achieved by Kaizer Chiefs this season show clear progress compared to previous campaigns where consistency was a major issue. Only one season in recent memory has been better, when Ernst Middendorp guided the team to 57 points in the 2019/20 campaign. That comparison highlights how far the team has come under the current coaching structure. While third place does not bring silverware, it signals stability and improvement in a highly competitive league. The coaching staff now view this as a platform to push toward winning trophies rather than simply competing for top positions.

Cedric Kaze has openly acknowledged that expectations will rise significantly going into the next season. He has stressed that a club of Chiefs’ size must compete for trophies, starting with competitions such as the MTN8 and continuing across all domestic and continental tournaments. According to Kaze, discussions with the club’s leadership will play an important role in shaping the next phase of development. These meetings are expected to focus on squad improvements, tactical adjustments and long-term planning. The aim is to ensure that progress translates into measurable success on the pitch.

Despite the optimism, Kaze has also addressed the pressure that comes with coaching one of the biggest football clubs in South Africa. He has noted that criticism is part of the job, especially when results fall short of winning trophies. The coaching staff has faced scrutiny throughout the season, with supporters demanding immediate success due to the club’s history and reputation. Kaze admitted that even he is not fully satisfied with the season because the ultimate goal of winning silverware was not achieved. However, he believes the team has made important strides in mentality, discipline and overall structure.

He also highlighted the importance of belief and pride returning to the club after a challenging period. According to Kaze, the squad has developed stronger standards and a clearer identity, which will be crucial for future success. He explained that criticism has been used as motivation within the camp, pushing players and coaches to work harder every day. While acknowledging that some external opinions can be harsh, he accepted that it comes with managing a high-profile team. He also suggested that consistency in evaluation is often lacking, as progress is sometimes overlooked when trophies are not immediately won.

Kaze is confident that the team can convert progress into trophies if they continue building on the current foundation. He believes that experience gained this season will be valuable in handling pressure situations in the future. The focus now shifts to improving key areas that prevented the team from challenging for top honours this year. With clearer expectations, stronger belief and a developing squad identity, Kaizer Chiefs are preparing for a decisive season. For Kaze, the message is clear that the groundwork has been laid, but success must now follow in the form of silverware.