Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi surprised many when he opted to have his assistant, Cedric Kaze, pose for a post-press conference photo with Mamelodi Sundowns‘ senior coach, Steve Komphela, on Thursday.
Breaking tradition, Nabi chose to have his assistant, Cedric Kaze, pose for a post-press conference photo with Komphela.
This was straight after the press conference building up to Saturday’s quarterfinal tie between Sundowns and Chiefs at the FNB Stadium. Typically, the head coach poses with the opposition coach with the Carling Knockout trophy in the middle.
Komphela stood in for Manqoba Mngqithi, who was absent at the presser and would have ordinarily taken the picture with Nabi. This departure from the norm sparked curiosity.
While some may have interpreted this gesture as a reluctance to pose with the Carling Black Label backdrop due to religious beliefs, the truth is far more heartwarming.
Nabi’s decision was a thoughtful gesture of respect and support for his assistant coach. The Tunisian tactician is keen to elevate Kaze’s profile and acknowledge his significant contributions to the team.
Kaze, who recently joined Chiefs to replace Fernando Da Cruz, has taken on the role of interpreter for the head coach. Yet, Nabi is keen to avoid stereotyping Kaze as merely a translator. He recognises Kaze’s significant contributions to the team and wants to ensure he receives the recognition he deserves.
“Nabi has taken a picture with Gavin Hunt at the launch of the Carling Knockout Cup, so the Black Label backdrop was not an issue,” a source explained to FARPost.
“By allowing Kaze to take the photo, Nabi aimed to highlight his importance to the team. His simple act underscores Kaze’s role as more than just an interpreter, emphasising his valuable contributions to the coaching staff.”
WHAT NASREDDINE NABI HAS PREVIOUSLY SAID ABOUT CEDRIC KAZE
Having previously served under Nabi at Young Africans, the 45-year-old benefited from the Tunisian mentor’s guidance, contributing to a remarkable period that yielded six trophies in two seasons.
“This is my brother. Mr Cedric Kaze is my second assistant. We worked together at Young Africans and won a lot with Young Africans,” Nabi told the media recently.
“Many good moments, sometimes bad moments. He’s a good guy, very experienced. Thank You very much, Mr Kaizer Jr and Mr Bobby, to give me this opportunity for coming for Mr Cedric Kaze.
“I’m very happy. He’s a very good guy, a gentleman and a very good coach. I’m very happy for that.”
Kaze joins a highly experienced technical team comprising Khalil Ben Youssef, Ilyes Mzoughi, and Safi Majdi.
RELATED STORY: No honeymoon period for treble-winning Yanga
