Kaze and Ben Youssef defend decision to remain at Kaizer Chiefs after Nabi’s departure

Being hired as a collective and sacked as individuals is part and parcel of coaching in football. And that’s why there’s no bad blood between Nasreddine Nabi and his former trusted lieutenants Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef.

Nabi is on the verge of mutually parting ways with Kaizer Chiefs after he was suspended by the club a few days ago, following a lack of trust between the two parties and licensing issues.

In his absence, Nabi’s once right-hand men Kaze and Ben Youssef have steered the ship. They coached Chiefs during the 1-0 loss to Kabuscorp in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup first-round preliminary qualifiers, and the 1-1 draw with Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday night.

The duo’s decision to remain at the club has puzzled some pundits, as they believe they were supposed to be loyal to the man who brought them to the club and leave with him when the relationship turned sour.

But speaking ahead of their must-win clash against Kabuscorp at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off), Kaze lifted the lid on his decision, together with Ben Youssef.

“I have known coach Nabi for a couple of years, and have worked with him,” Kaze, who was the last person to arrive in Nabi’s technical team, revealed. “We both know the situation of a coaching job.

“Today he’s not here, but I am pretty sure that he’s proud that we are continuing where he left off and bringing the club where it belongs.”

It is not the first time that Kaze and Ben Youssef spearheaded Chiefs in the absence of Nabi. They initially started the role when he was red-carded last season, and recently at the beginning of the season when he was on leave.

Interestingly, the duo won all five matches they have played in Nabi’s absence, though they said that the results were not mirroring their sole influence.

However, things have changed.

“I will just say that this time, coach Khalil and I are leading the team for tomorrow’s game, and there’s no disruption in that,” Kaze said. “Every decision we take will be to ensure that we are in a good space for the game.”

While the duo hold an impressive record as Chiefs’ co-coaches—after five wins, one draw, and one loss—there are some fans who are still not convinced that they are ready to lead a club of Chiefs’ calibre on a long-term basis.

But Kaze—who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Science, CAF A licence, as well as a German Football Federation A licence, while having worked for the Burundian national team, Barcelona youth structures, and Young Africans—says he begs to differ.

“I know that it’s a massive club,” Kaze conceded. “It’s not my first time being in a situation like this. I have led the national teams, and Young Africans. I have played in both the Champions League and Confederation Cup.

“We are here, and working for this club. We know the expectations that come with working for such a massive club. We know what the players, and what is required every day, not just on match-day.

“We are working hard to make sure the club heads into the right direction, and where it belongs: the top.”

So, as Chiefs continue life without Nabi, Kaze added that they must look forward, and not backwards, in order to try to bring back the glory days at the club, starting by beating Kabuscorp to progress to the final round of the Confederation Cup group stage qualifiers.

“Everyone goes through such moments, and we are professionals and here to work for Kaizer Chiefs,” Kaze explained. “We know what is in front of us. The things that have happened now are behind us, and we are looking forward to tomorrow with all our heart, and concentration.”