Cedric Kaze plays down Kaizer Chiefs' goalkeeper substitution Carling KO Cup drama

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze has stated goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari’s refusal to be substituted ‘was coming from a good intention.’ 

The Rwandan international was called to the touchline towards the end of extra-time with a penalty shootout looming. 

Bruce Bvuma was ready to come on, but instead Ntwari resisted the substitution with Kaze and fellow assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef’s call.

Ntwari went on to save the first Stellenbosch FC penalty, but could not avoid Chiefs being dumped out of the Carling Knockout 5-4 on penalties. 

“I believe in that kind of situation, it's something that we're going to handle internally, but he felt that he was comfortable to go on under the penalty and help the team,” Kaze said.

“It was coming from a good intention. Maybe the way wasn't as good as it should be, but it's something that we will address internally.”

The Carling Knockout exit has increased pressure on Chiefs after they released coach Nasreddine Nabi last week. 

Kaze and Ben Youssef had arrived in South Africa with Nabi and there has been plenty of speculation surrounding their futures. 

But Kaze was hesitant to discuss his future and stated this is a matter for the club to discuss. 

“I believe that that's a question that should be directed to the management,” he said. 

“From this time, we are the coaches of Kaizer Chiefs, and until further notice or something else is decided by the management, I'm pretty sure that they will let everyone know.”

Chief's next assignment is a CAF Confederation Cup tie against last season's runners-up Simba FC on October 17.