Latest news with #Kaze
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Kaizer Chiefs' winning streak and clean sheets calm expectations ahead of Richards Bay clash
Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cédric Kaze and Co aim to extend their perfect start against Richards Bay, while Orlando Pirates face a stern Stellenbosch test at Orlando Stadium. Photo: Backpagpiex Image: Backpagepix After their promising start to the Betway Premiership season, which saw Kaizer Chiefs secure two victories in their opening games, the team has enjoyed a few days of tranquillity ahead of Tuesday's game against winless visitors Richards Bay. Two Premiership rounds in, the team's triumphs and clean sheets have also fostered a sense of calm within the squad as they gear up for their upcoming encounter. Mzansi's most beloved football club, Chiefs frequently face sky-high expectations from their devoted fanbase. The weight of these expectations can be burdensome, especially in moments of defeat. However, the recent victories have alleviated some of that pressure, inspiring confidence that could prove pivotal in their next fixture. In the enforced absence of Nasreddine Nabi, assistant coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cédric Kaze have been steering the ship and keeping the side on the winning path. Chiefs now share the top of the league standings with Durban City, Marumo Gallants and Sekhukhune United, all on six points from two outings. Kaze praised the team's resilience and tactical acumen. The wins have highlighted their potential, allowing the players to build chemistry and momentum early in the season. Kaze will undoubtedly be looking to maintain this positive trajectory as his squad prepares to take on the 'Natal Rich Boyz', who are still searching for their first points of the campaign. History often shows that when anticipating a game against lower-ranked teams, complacency can become a silent foe. However, with a squad rich in talent and experience, Chiefs are expected to approach the match with the seriousness it deserves. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ "It's true that, especially when you are at big clubs like Kaizer Chiefs, it gives you time to work in peace, because when you don't win, then there is a lot of pressure,' Kaze explained. 'That's why those points, those victories, give you time to work more easily, in an easier way because people are confident, people are happy.' Despite the positive start, Kaze was quick to temper enthusiasm, reminding fans and players that the season is still in its infancy. 'We need, as well, to know that we haven't arrived and we're still very, very far. We have to work very hard,' he said, stressing the importance of maintaining focus and dedication. 'I'm pretty sure that if everyone is pulling in the same direction, we will get it right.' Chiefs will look to build on their early momentum, and the match against Richards Bay presents an opportunity to solidify their position at the top of the league table. All eyes will also turn to Orlando Stadium on Wednesday, when Orlando Pirates take on a formidable opponent known for their knack of causing upsets, Stellenbosch FC. Historically, Stellenbosch have posed a significant threat to the Buccaneers on their home turf. Both teams come into this midweek clash after competing in the weekend's MTN8 semi-finals. The coaches of both sides now face a crucial dilemma: field their strongest eleven in pursuit of Premiership points, or rotate their squads to preserve energy for the important MTN8 semi-final second legs on Saturday. Under pressure to perform well in front of their home fans, Pirates will be eager to assert dominance and banish any lingering doubts from previous encounters with Stellenbosch.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze - the two Assistant coaches are keeping Kaizer Chiefs perfect in Nasreddine Nabi's Absence
COULD Nasreddine Nabi be the problem in the Kaizer Chiefs' technical since his lieutants have for second time managed a 100% winning record in his absence? | Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers You have to give it to Kaizer Chiefs assistant coaches, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze — they know how to get the team firing in the absence of Nasreddine Nabi. Chiefs' master tactician, Nabi, hasn't been with the team since the start of the season, as he had to travel back home to Tunisia for a family emergency. Enter his trusted lieutenants, Ben Youssef and Kaze. The duo have been on cruise mode, guiding the team to back-to-back wins in the Betway Premiership since the start. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading It's been a fantastic ride for the pair and the team, as they didn't take their foot off the pedal after beating Stellenbosch 2-0 and Polokwane City 1-0 respectively. The recent wins and clean sheets added another feather to their caps, as they also won their first two games in charge 1-0 and 4-0 after Nabi was red-carded last season. Now, with four wins and clean sheets on the trot when they are at the helm, it's safe to say Chiefs are in capable hands when Nabi is not around. This is not to suggest that Nabi is the problem in the dugout — far from it. But what's clear is that Chiefs are a different beast altogether when the 59-year-old coach is absent. There could be many reasons for this, especially considering the 'open working conditions and environment' within the club's technical team. Nabi speaks limited English and has had to rely on Kaze for translation during his media briefings — both pre- and post-match. While he might be able to get his message across in English to players during training and on match day, he's less fluent than Kaze and Ben Youssef. That could be one of the Achilles' heels for Nabi, especially during critical phases of a game when the team needs to react quickly. Nabi has shown that he is a team player rather than a sole decision-maker, often communicating and heeding advice from his technical staff — especially Kaze — but ultimately, the buck stops with him. So, in cases where contrasting suggestions arise from his staff, the final word and decision must come from him. That, at times, could come back to bite him. Ben Youssef and Kaze might not face the same difficulty; they could more easily find common ground for a balanced approach. That could be a masterstroke, especially given Kaze's admission that Nabi trusts them to lead the team without his interference during his absence. Young, modern coaches often help young players flourish, as there tends to be mutual respect and understanding beyond football. There's usually more freedom and trust between the two parties, leading to the kind of good fortunes that benefit the team across the board. Playing under pressure can either make or break a team. While Chiefs won the Nedbank Cup last season, the reality is they still endured a disappointing campaign. Pressure seemed to get to Nabi last season as he backtracked on building the team around youngsters, instead relying mostly on senior players — an approach that still failed. Match Day Experience📹🎥 Congratulations to Victor Leeuw, Kaizer Chiefs Season Ticket holder, who was upgraded to a VIP Suite last night ✌#Amakhosi4Life #BetwayPrem #AlwaysHome — Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) August 14, 2025
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs: Ex-Pirates duo of Mako and Monyane's expectations
Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze has touched on recruitment at the club and how Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane are treated no differently. The duo were signed after parting ways with Orlando Pirates in June. Some fans have were under the impression that Amakhosi only signed the two players because they were from Pirates. Kaze though, rubbished the claims, saying the club signs quality players who can fit into their system. Both players have already made their debuts for Kaizer Chiefs this season. 'When you recruit a player, you don't recruit a player differently because he comes from the other side [Pirates]. You recruit a player because of the quality that he has and the work that you see he could be able to do to help the team,' Kaze said, as quoted by SPORTSWIRE . 'I believe that they have already experienced the pressure where they come from, the amount of pressure that we have. It's not only one team, but there are also a lot of teams that are big clubs, and when you come from a big club, then you know the expectations,' he added. Kaizer Chiefs have been the team to watch this season, having won back-to-back league matches and currently top the Betway Premiership. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Assistant coach Cedric Kaze urges Kaizer Chiefs to stay grounded after perfect start
IT would've please Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach to see Siphesihle Ndlovu encouraging calmness after scoring the winning goal against Polokwane City at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night. | BackpagePix Kaizer Chiefs are enjoying a dream start to their Betway Premiership campaign, but second assistant coach Cedric Kaze has warned the team against getting carried away. Chiefs have won their first two games on the trot since the start of the league season last weekend, beating Stellenbosch and Polokwane City. The two matches, played last Sunday and Wednesday, saw Chiefs register back-to-back clean sheets, winning 2–0 and 1–0 respectively. It has been a fantastic start to the season for Amakhosi — so much so that some staunch supporters are convinced the club will return to their best this season. But while the technical team and players would want nothing more than to build on last season's Nedbank Cup triumph, Kaze has called for calm. 'It's true that we are confident, but we need to temper the excitement,' Kaze explained. 'It's still only the second game of the season, and there are still 28 games to play. 'So, we still have a long, long way to go and a lot of things to work on. I would say we look more like a team than before — in every aspect. 'You can struggle and not play well, but even in moments of weakness, we are there as a team, helping each other. 'That's what I have noticed, especially at the start of this new campaign.'
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Chiefs' Kaze impressed by ‘very professional' McCarthy
'For sure, without injuries, he will go far,' said the Chiefs assistant coach. Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze has praised the professionalism of Aden McCarthy, after the young defender's superb start to the Betway Premiership season. ALSO READ: Kaze delighted with impact subs after Chiefs victory The 21 year-old has started both of Chiefs' Premiership games so far in central defence alongside Inacio Miguel. And Chiefs have kept successive clean sheets, following a 2-0 win at Stellenbosch last Sunday with a 1-0 win at home to Polokwane City on Wednesday evening. Chiefs' Kaze – 'Aden is a very nice kid' On top of this, McCarthy has been named Man-of-the-Match in both games. 'The ones handing out Man-of-the-Match are making our lives difficult. He (McCarthy) will now feel entitled every game to get Man-of-the-Match!,' joked Kaze, after Siphesihle Ndlovu's late goal was enough to take down Rise and Shine. 'Aden is a very nice kid. He is very professional in the way he conducts himself on and off the pitch … a player that listens a lot. He is always with … Miguel and those kinds of players. He knows the experience others have can help him. For sure, without injuries, he will go far, because he is a player with quality.' Kaze has taken over media duties, with head coach Nasreddine Nabi back in Tunisia to be with his wife, after she was involved in a serious road accident. Chiefs' coaching staff, however, remain in constant contact with Nabi. 'We are always in contact with the head coach,' added Kaze. 'But he trusts our experience and our knowledge. We are the people on the field every day. The people on the field are those that can feel the vibe on the field. 'They see every day what is happening in training, who can do what and who can make the different combinations. He also trusts us to name the starting line-up. But he is the head coach and is kept informed on a daily basis.' ALSO READ: Super-sub Ndlovu fires Chiefs past Polokwane City Chiefs will return to Premiership action Tuesday, when they take on Richards Bay at FNB Stadium.
