Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that both Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze will leave the Amakhosi after completing their two‑year contracts at the end of the 2025/26 season. The coaching duo, who stepped up from assistant roles following former boss Nasreddine Nabi’s departure in October 2025, oversaw a campaign that delivered the club’s second‑best points haul in eleven years. Their exit comes alongside conditioning coach Majdi Safi, whose contract also expired after the final match.
The two‑year spell began with Ben Youssef’s arrival at the start of the 2024/25 season and Kaze’s signing in October 2024. Both initially served under Nabi, but after his October 2025 exit they were promoted to senior‑team responsibilities. Under their stewardship, the Chiefs accumulated 54 league points, a tally only surpassed once in the past decade, and narrowly missed the CAF Confederation Cup knockout stages on goal difference after finishing Group D with ten points.
Across all competitions—Betway Premiership, CAF Confederation Cup, Carling Knockout Cup and Nedbank Cup—the pair managed 39 matches, delivering a record of 19 wins, 11 draws and 9 defeats. Their balanced approach saw the side improve defensively while maintaining an attacking edge, yet falling just short of silverware in the continental tournament.
Season‑by‑season performance under Ben Youssef and Kaze
| Competition | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points / Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betway Premiership | 30 | 14 | 8 | 8 | 50 pts (3rd) |
| CAF Confederation Cup | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 10 pts (Group D) |
| Carling Knockout Cup | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Quarter‑final exit |
| Nedbank Cup | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Round of 16 exit |
| Total | 39 | 19 | 11 | 9 | – |
The table highlights the Chiefs’ strongest showing in the domestic league, where their 50 points secured a solid third‑place finish, while continental ambitions fell just short.
Club officials praised the coaches for “dedication and contribution” and issued a public thank‑you, noting that further announcements will follow as the franchise gears up for the 2025/26 pre‑season. The departure of both first‑team coaches and the conditioning staff signals a strategic overhaul ahead of the new campaign.
What the coaching changes mean for Kaizer Chiefs
With the senior coaching roles now vacant, the board faces the task of appointing a manager who can build on the recent points surge and finally break through the CAF knockout barrier. The club’s recent performance suggests a foundation of stability; however, the lack of a clear successor could affect player recruitment and preseason preparations.
Chiefs supporters will be watching closely as the club navigates the transition, hoping the next appointment can translate the solid domestic record into continental success. The upcoming weeks are set to reveal the next chapter in Amakhosi’s storied history.