Kaizer Chiefs Co-Coach Cedric Kaze Emphasizes Continued Effort
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has made it clear that the team is not yet at their peak, despite a strong start to the season in both the Betway Premiership and the CAF Confederations Cup. The club, known as Amakhosi, has managed to maintain an impressive five-match unbeaten streak in the league, which has placed them in a position to challenge for the title—something many would have thought unlikely at the beginning of the campaign.
With the current season paused due to the FIFA international break, the Glamour Boys will not have any players selected for Hugo Broos’ 23-man Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming friendly against Zambia on Saturday. This pause comes at a critical time, as it may disrupt the momentum the team has built over recent weeks. However, despite this, Kaizer Chiefs currently sit in third place in the Premiership, trailing behind Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. Maintaining focus will be key once the league resumes.
Kaze praised the team’s efforts so far this season and revealed that the club has considered arranging additional matches during the international window to keep the players sharp. “When you have momentum, you want games to continue,” he said. “We have also been having extra games to keep players mentally fresh and to take some pressure off. Everyone associated with the club needs to keep our feet on the ground and remain humble.”
The team will return to action against Magesi FC in a league match away at Seshego Stadium, a venue that has historically been difficult for visiting teams. Kaze emphasized that while the team has shown visible improvement compared to past campaigns, continued hard work remains essential, as the season still has a long way to go.
“We need to continue working hard because we have not arrived yet. I am aware that when you win one match here, you are the god of football, but when you lose or draw a game, then you’re a plumber. In this situation, we need to be concise in our message and continue to work hard because the season is still long, and it’s in our best interest to keep the momentum.”
Player Development and National Team Call-Ups
While a large part of the squad remains available, striker Flavio da Silva has been called up to represent Guinea-Bissau, giving the club a presence on the global stage. Kaze was pleased that the former Portuguese junior international received the call-up and noted that his time at Naturena has been positive, with the player showing considerable growth in confidence over his appearances this season.
The 29-year-old forward has already scored four goals in five outings this season, and Kaze expressed satisfaction with the scouting and recruitment process that brought him to the club. “Flavio got a national team call-up; they will be playing a friendly match against Angola. His call-up is good for him and the team, and he is a player that is getting back his confidence. He is currently in a good space, and that can help him as well as the club, as when you get a foreign player that gets called up to his national team, then you know that you have done your homework well in terms of recruitment.”
Key Challenges Ahead
As the season progresses, Kaizer Chiefs will face several challenges, including tough fixtures and the need to maintain consistency. Kaze stressed the importance of staying grounded and focused, regardless of the results. The team’s ability to handle pressure and adapt to different situations will be crucial in determining their success in both domestic and continental competitions.
With the international break providing a brief respite, the coaching staff and players will use this time to regroup, refine strategies, and prepare for the next phase of the season. The goal remains clear: to build on the current momentum and continue improving throughout the campaign.