Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze is heading off on international duty to assist Burundi in their AFCON qualifying quest. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Kaizer Chiefs will navigate the current Fifa international break with co-coach Cedric Kaze temporarily stepping away from club duties after receiving a call-up from the Burundi national football team.
The club has confirmed that Kaze has been granted permission to link up with the national setup, where he will serve as a technical adviser during the preliminary round of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Burundi are set to face Chad national football team over two legs — first away on Friday before hosting the return fixture four days later — in what is expected to be a decisive tie in their bid to progress.
For Kaze, the call represents a return to familiar territory. The Burundian tactician previously served as assistant coach of the Swallows until 2015, and now rejoins in a different capacity to contribute his experience at a crucial stage.
His temporary departure comes at a time when Chiefs have begun to steady their season after a turbulent run that had placed the technical team under pressure. Amakhosi are expected to welcome Kaze back at Naturena immediately after the second leg, with preparations already underway for their next assignment in the Betway Premiership.
That fixture, however, has undergone notable adjustments. Chiefs have confirmed that their clash against Orbit College FC has been rescheduled, with both the venue and date changed.
Originally set to be played in Rustenburg, the match will now take place at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. In addition, the fixture has been brought forward by a day and will now kick off at 3pm on Easter Monday — April 6 — instead of the initially scheduled evening slot a day later.
The adjustment comes at the request of the home side due to venue availability issues, with the move also aimed at accommodating a larger crowd.
From a football perspective, the timing of the break may prove beneficial for Chiefs.
The Soweto giants head into the pause on the back of renewed momentum following a difficult period that included a four-match losing streak across all competitions. They have since responded with back-to-back league victories, beginning with a win over Durban City FC, secured through a goal by Glody Lilepo.
That result was followed by a convincing triumph in their most recent outing, where academy products Wandile Duba and Mfundo Vilakazi got on the scoresheet. Those performances have lifted Amakhosi into fourth place on the standings, keeping them firmly in the race for a strong finish and potential CAF qualification.
Kaze’s involvement with Burundi also presents an opportunity for the coach to gain further international experience, something that could ultimately benefit Chiefs in the long term.
In his absence, the remaining technical team will be tasked with maintaining continuity and ensuring that the momentum built in recent weeks is not lost.