Kaizer Chiefs Co-Coach Cedric Kaze Reveals Half-Time Talk That Sparked Lilepo Wonder Goal

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has lifted the lid on the half-time talk that inspired his team to a 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday, January 28. The win, secured by a stunning strike from Glody Lilepo, moved Amakhosi into second place, just two points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, and maintained their perfect start to the year with three wins in all competitions.

Speaking to SuperSport TV after the match, Kaze admitted that Chiefs’ first-half display lacked intensity and sharpness. “We are happy for the three points. I believe that we didn’t start the game well. The first half was a bit sloppy, a little bit reactive. We had to tell the players that we really want the three points, we need to go out there and get on the front-foot, and I believe the second half was much, much better and what a goal,” he said. Kaze added that the focus now shifts to their upcoming CAF Confederation Cup clash on Sunday, showing the club’s determination to sustain momentum across competitions.

Kaze also highlighted the importance of contributions from players off the bench, specifically Siphesihle Ndlovu, who helped stabilize Chiefs’ play in a tightly contested match. “We knew that sometimes players that are getting much time struggle a bit, especially when there were a lot of 50-50 duels. We are happy with the contribution of Ndlovu when they came in. They stabilised the team and we were able to be more threatening in our attack,” he explained.

The co-coach emphasized that the team’s consistency stems from a culture of hard work and self-criticism. “The consistency, we have to work every day, we have to criticise ourselves, to improve every day, and the players are willing to do the work. We are willing to do the work for Kaizer Chiefs and everyone responds in a very positive way. We have to work hard because the season is far from over and there’s everything to play for,” Kaze concluded. This insight into Chiefs’ approach underlines how clear communication and tactical adjustments at half-time can turn a challenging first half into a decisive victory, keeping their title ambitions on track.