The Kaizer Chiefs technical team, led by Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, is targeting a top-three finish in the Betway Premiership this season in a bid to salvage what remains of their campaign.
Chiefs have endured a difficult period in recent weeks, losing their last four matches in all competitions. The poor run has seen them miss out on the CAF Confederation Cup and fall behind in the title race.
Pressure Mounting on Technical Team
The slump has placed heavy pressure on Kaze and Ben Youssef, who must find immediate solutions to stabilise results. Failure to do so could force the club’s board to make a decision on their future before the end of the season.
The club’s sporting director, Kaizer Motaung Junior, speaking on various platforms amid the poor run of form, said the mandate for the co-coaches was clear – to finish in the top two and qualify for the CAF Champions League next season.
Speaking ahead of their league clash against Durban City FC at FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon (3.30pm), Kaze insisted that a top-three finish was the most realistic target at this stage as Chiefs currently trail pacesetters Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns by 17 points.
“If this team finishes in the top three at the end of the season, I can even leave and say that I’ve accomplished what no one has accomplished in the last 10 years,” said Kaze, adding that Chiefs still have two games in hand and trail third-placed Sekhukhune United by three points.
Swipe at Former Coach Middendorp
However, a top-three finish would not surpass the club’s best result over the past decade as Ernst Middendorp guided Chiefs to a second-place finish during the 2019/20 season before losing out on the title to Sundowns on the final day of the season.
The German coach recently expressed frustration about the club’s current situation in a post on LinkedIn, criticising individuals he believes do not understand the pressure associated with coaching Chiefs.
Kaze appeared to dismiss Middendorp’s achievements, suggesting that his team’s potential top-three finish would be more impressive.
“Someone finished second with 23 goals from set pieces and a lot of long balls. If we achieve a top-three finish at the end of the season, we will leave and say that we did an incredible job,” he added.
Injuries, Suspension Blamed for Defensive Dip
Kaze has called for calm and reflection during the team’s difficult spell, insisting that one poor month does not define their entire season.
The Burundian mentor also explained where he believes things began to unravel for the team.
“What has been the solidity of the team since the beginning of the season? Mostly it’s been defensive solidity – not conceding goals,” Kaze said.
“But since January there have been two factors that can explain the drop in our defensive solidity – a lot of injuries and suspensions.”
