Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that the coaching duo of Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef will not have their contracts renewed for the upcoming 2024/25 campaign, signalling a decisive shift in the club’s technical direction ahead of the new season. The announcement was made during a closed‑door meeting on Tuesday, where both co‑coaches were told their tenure at Naturena would end when their current deals expire, while fitness boss Majdi Safi will also depart as his contract runs its course.
The decision arrives amid a broader restructuring plan that Chief Executive Officer Lefika Moshodi has been orchestrating since the club’s disappointing finish in the PSL last term. Our sources indicate that management is keen to inject fresh ideas into a squad that struggled to find consistency, and the coaching changes are the first visible step in that overhaul. The departures will leave the Chiefs with a vacant head‑coach slot as well as a gap in the back‑room staff, prompting speculation about who might be brought in to steer the team back to the top of South African football.
Club legend Jimmy “Rabatso” Kibe expressed disappointment but remained supportive of the board’s vision. “We’ve had great moments under Cedric and Khalil, but football evolves and we need to evolve with it,” he told SA Report on the sidelines of training at the Naturalised Training Ground. The sentiment was echoed by several senior players, who admitted that the coaching change could rejuvenate the dressing room dynamics that have been under strain since the mid‑season slump.
Coach Cedric Kaze, 38, arrived at Chiefs in 2022 after a successful stint with the University of Pretoria’s development side, bringing a reputation for nurturing young talent. His partner, 34‑year‑old Khalil Ben Youssef, previously served as assistant to the senior squad and was lauded for his tactical acumen, particularly in set‑piece organisation. Both were instrumental in guiding the team to a respectable cup run last year, yet their joint tenure was marred by inconsistent league performances and a series of injuries that exposed depth issues.
The coaching pair’s exit is expected to trigger a cascade of contract renegotiations across the club. Analysts predict that the Chiefs will look to appoint a high‑profile manager with a proven PSL track record, possibly eyeing names like Steve Barker or Mick Wadsworth, who both have enjoyed recent success with their respective clubs. Moreover, the vacancy in the fitness department opens the door for a sports science specialist who can integrate modern conditioning methods, an area where the Chiefs have lagged behind rivals such as Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
Despite the turbulence, the club’s senior management remains optimistic. “We are building a foundation for sustainable success,” Moshodi asserted in a press briefing. “The decisions we are making today, including parting ways with Cedric Kaze, Khalil Ben Youssef and Majdi Safi, are about aligning our coaching philosophy with the long‑term ambitions of Kaizer Chiefs.” He added that the board will commence a thorough recruitment process within the next fortnight, aiming to have a new head coach in place before pre‑season training begins in July.
H2: Kaizer Chiefs co‑coaches depart as club pivots to new coaching strategy
The reshuffle underscores a wider trend within South African football, where clubs are increasingly willing to make bold changes to their technical staff in pursuit of continental glory. In the past twelve months, at least five PSL teams have replaced their head coaches mid‑season, reflecting heightened pressure from fans and sponsors alike. For the Chiefs—a club with a massive fan base that spans townships and suburbs—maintaining relevance on both the domestic and African stages is paramount.
From a tactical perspective, the departure of Kaze and Ben Youssef may signal a shift away from the flexible 4‑3‑3 formation they favoured, towards a more possession‑based style that echoes the successful models of European clubs. Staff insiders suggest that the incoming coach will be tasked with developing a high‑pressing system that can exploit the pace of emerging talents like Teboho Mokoena and Lebo Mthembu, both of whom have impressed during limited game time this season.
The financial implications of the overhaul cannot be ignored. Terminating contracts early often incurs settlement fees, but the club’s board has reportedly allocated a R15 million budget for the recruitment process, encompassing not only the head coach’s salary but also potential bonuses tied to league position and CAF Champions League progression. Meanwhile, the player transfer window will likely see increased activity as the new technical team seeks to mould a squad that fits their philosophy.
Supporters have taken to social media to voice mixed reactions. While some fans applaud the decisive action—quoting the mantra “new era, new blood”—others lament the loss of familiar faces in the coaching set‑up. “We trusted Kaze and Khalil to bring us back to the summit,” wrote one user on the club’s official Facebook page, “but the board must think bigger.” The chant “We are the pride of Soweto” echoed throughout the stadium during the post‑match interview, highlighting the enduring emotional bond between the fans and the club’s identity.
Looking ahead, pre‑season friendlies scheduled for August will serve as the first testing ground for any newly appointed coaching staff. These fixtures, set to be played against both local sides and a touring European outfit, will provide a glimpse into the tactical tweaks and player rotations that may define the Chiefs’ approach for the next campaign. The club’s marketing department has already hinted at a “relaunch” event, promising behind‑the‑scenes content that will introduce the new coaching team to a global audience.
As the dust settles on Naturena, the key takeaway is that Kaizer Chiefs are signalling a willingness to make hard decisions in pursuit of silverware. Whether the departure of Cedric Kaze, Khalil Ben Youssef, and Majdi Safi will translate into on‑field success remains to be seen, but the club’s leadership appears committed to charting a fresh course. Our reporting will continue to track the recruitment process, the impact on player personnel, and the early signs of any tactical overhaul as the 2024/25 season unfolds.