Kaizer Chiefs urged to retain co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze for 2026/27 season as stability debate intensifies
The debate around the future of Kaizer Chiefs has intensified as the 2024/25 season nears its end, with strong opinions emerging on whether the club should maintain its current technical leadership. Former Orlando Pirates striker Phumudzo Manenzhe has stepped into the discussion with a clear message aimed at the Chiefs hierarchy. He believes the club must continue with co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze into the 2026/27 season. His argument focuses on continuity at a club that has struggled with constant technical changes over recent years. Chiefs are preparing for their final Betway Premiership fixture against Chippa United at Moses Mabhida Stadium, but attention has already shifted to long term planning. The discussion has grown as supporters and analysts weigh progress against the pressure for immediate success.
Manenzhe’s central argument is that Kaizer Chiefs will benefit more from stability than another managerial reset. He believes the current co-coaching model has already started building structure within the squad. The partnership between Ben Youssef and Kaze has created a clearer tactical identity compared to previous seasons. Chiefs have also shown improved cohesion in key matches, which Manenzhe views as a sign of progress that should not be disrupted. He warns that replacing the current setup would force the team into another rebuilding phase. In his view, that cycle has repeatedly slowed the club’s ability to compete consistently at the top level of the Premier Soccer League.
The performance under the current technical team has shown measurable improvement in league results. Chiefs moved from a ninth place finish in the previous campaign to securing a top three position in the current season. That progress has ensured qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup, which restores some continental presence for the club. However, the season has not been without setbacks, including an early exit in domestic cup competition and inconsistent results in African fixtures earlier in the year. Despite these challenges, Manenzhe argues that the overall direction is positive. He believes the foundation being built is strong enough to support a future title challenge if it is maintained.
The concern raised by Manenzhe focuses on what he describes as the risk of starting from zero. He argues that a new coach would likely demand a complete overhaul of tactics and possibly personnel. That would disrupt the progress made in adapting the squad to the current system. He also points to the fact that Chiefs were outside the top eight last season, highlighting how far the team has come in a short period. In his view, changing leadership now would erase continuity and delay further improvement. He stresses that stability in coaching often leads to stronger long term results, especially in teams rebuilding confidence and structure.
The final decision remains with the Kaizer Chiefs management team, who must balance ambition with consistency. The club continues to be linked with various coaching candidates, but the improved league position under the current duo complicates any decision to replace them. The upcoming fixture against Chippa United will be the final chance for Ben Youssef and Kaze to reinforce their case through results on the pitch. A strong finish could strengthen arguments for continuity into the 2026/27 season. If the club follows Manenzhe’s recommendation, the focus would shift toward strengthening the squad rather than restructuring leadership again, with the aim of building a more stable and competitive future.
