Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze has been identified as an influential figure to the club’s impressive after his first pre-season at the club.
Kaze joined Chiefs with the season in motion in October last year after the Fernando da Cruz decided to leave two months into the job.
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The Burundian is one of two assistants that Nasreddine Nabi has with the other being Khalil Ben Youssef and provides an important function being able to also converse in in English, French, and Spanish.
"He (Kaze) is from the generation that came after us back home in terms of playing but I have taken interest in his coaching because he coached Prince Louis and Athletico Olympic," says retired goalkeeper Aime Kitenge who is also of Burundian origin.
Kitenge has been in South Africa since 1996 and played for Jomo Cosmos, Mother City, Ria Stars, Dynamos, Maritzburg United, and Thanda Royal Zulu.
"Coming to coaching, Cedric is someone that I believe even our national team should consider giving full authority based on what I have seen of his work and the reviews from those that have worked with him.
"He is a student of the game and holds top badges and has been to Barcelona and worked with the German Football Federation, Bayer Leverkusen, Schalke, and French club OGC Nice while doing his papers.
"So, he has football knowledge from the highest level which is why he is so informed.
"With regards to tactics, he is advanced, specific, and detailed.
"He is someone who specialises in reading the game and noting what the opponents are doing, and this explains why he is the link to the club’s analysis team.
"Kaze is a proper modern coach who is well read and embraces technology.
"When you have a coach like that at Chiefs, the team will benefit.
"(Nasreddine) Nabi had a good reason in recommending him to come and work at Chiefs because he saw his qualities in Tanzania.
"His training sessions are always game oriented.
"What I know is that when it comes to organisation, he is top notch and I’m not surprised Chiefs are doing so well this season.
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"There is a huge influence from him towards Chiefs keeping clean sheets in five games in a row this season.
"I repeat, I honestly hope our national team back home is taking note and gives him full charge of the national team in the near future," says Kitenge.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
