Cedric Kaze is keeping the pressure on his Amakhosi squad. Despite a solid top-three spot, the Kaizer Chiefs co-coach insists the job isn't done yet — especially with a massive Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates on the horizon. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has made it clear that his side’s recent progress will count for little if they fail to finish the season strongly, particularly with the Soweto Derby fast approaching.
Kaze was speaking after Chiefs were held to a goalless draw by Polokwane City FC at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium — a result that halted their five-match winning streak but did little to derail their broader upward trajectory. Chiefs remain well placed on 46 points after 24 matches, sitting comfortably in third position and within touching distance of securing CAF Confederation Cup football for next season.
They hold a seven-point cushion over AmaZulu FC, making the final continental spot theirs to lose. But for Kaze, there is no room for complacency — especially with a high-stakes clash against Orlando Pirates looming next Sunday.
“The improvement is obvious but we want to do better than that. We want to go higher than that and until the end of the season, we’re gonna do everything to play for those 18 points that are left to play for,” he said.
The Polokwane stalemate also exposed areas that could prove decisive in a fixture of the derby’s magnitude.
Facing a disciplined opponent on a notoriously difficult surface, Chiefs dominated spells but lacked the cutting edge required to break through — a concern Kaze acknowledged.
“Every game is different, every game has its own realities and I feel like (Saturday) we lacked a little bit of composure in the final third and as well in our build up to get into those positions where we could threaten the opponent goalkeeper. We need to just keep working hard and be focused on the next game,” he added.
The technical team used the match to rotate, with Given Msimango returning and Thabo Cele handed a rare start — decisions that could influence selection heading into the derby.
“There are players that have a lot of great potential. Remember as well there is a big squad and I feel as well that they contributed today very well in the game and the competition is good between the players and everyone is working really hard for their chance.”
That internal competition could be key.
With six matches remaining, Chiefs are balancing ambition with expectation — chasing a strong finish while preparing for one of the biggest fixtures on the calendar.
The derby now presents both a test and an opportunity. For Kaze and his side, it is not just about maintaining position — it is about proving that their progress can stand up against the very best when it matters most.