The timing was far from ideal. Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi lost his higly-rated assistant, Fernando Da Cruz, on the eve of the season. Amakhosi soon found one of the rising strar coaches in African football.
KAIZER CHIEFS ANNOUNCE CEDRIC KAZE
The date was the 17th of October when the Soweto giants appointed Nabi’s former assistant Nabi at Young Africans in Tanzania.
“Kaizer Chiefs have appointed Cedric Kaze as the new assistant coach,” the club said.
“This strategic addition to coach Nasreddine Nabi’s technical team aims to bolster the Club’s performance and aspirations for the season.
“Burundi-born Kaze brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the set-up, having previously worked alongside Nabi at Young Africans, where they achieved significant success together, winning six trophies in two seasons. His tactical expertise and experience in various coaching roles makes him a perfect fit to complement Nabi’s vision for the team.
“The 45-year-old has an impressive CV, which includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Science, CAF A licence, as well as a German Football Federation A licence. He was named coach of the year for East and Central Africa in 2012.
“Kaze worked with the national teams in Burundi, where he started as an assistant coach for the U17 team in 2007, and became an assistant coach to the senior team, then coach for the U20s and U23s until he left for Canada in 2015.
“In Canada, he worked for a youth football training institution before he moved to the FC Barcelona Academy where he worked for two and half years,” Kaizer Chiefs added.
A REPORT FROM NKOSINGIPHILE NGCOBO
After nearly two months at Naturena working with his new players, Kaizer Chiefs forward Nkosingiphile Ngcobo has given insight on Kaze’s purpose and impact so far.
“I think for him to be there is to make sure he puts emphasis on what coach Nabi wants,” said Ngcobo to FARPost.
“He and Coach Nabi make a great technical team. We are very happy to serve under their leadership this season.
“He has helped me understand that as a professional footballer, you need to know how to play different positions. So, I would be comfortable in any position and try to make the best out of it,” concluded the Kaizer Chiefs’ attacking midfielder.
Meanwhile, Ngcobo has only made two appearances under coach Nabi and is facing an uncertain future in the team.
CAN NKOSINGIPHLE NGCOBO BECOME A KEY PLAYER UNDER COACH NASREDDINE NABI IN THE FUTURE?
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