Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze will lead the team until the end of the season, stepping in after the departure of Nasreddine Nabi. With domestic football set to resume this weekend, the duo face a demanding task of steering Amakhosi through a crucial phase of the campaign. Here are the five key challenges they must address.
1. Restoring Defensive Stability
Chiefs made a solid start to the season, keeping five clean sheets in their first five Betway Premiership matches. However, their defensive structure has since wavered. The injury to right back Thabiso Monyane, who was showing strong form, has left a noticeable gap. The team has been conceding more frequently, and Youssef and Kaze will need to tighten things up at the back if Chiefs are to maintain a competitive edge.
2. Sustaining the Silverware Momentum
Lifting the Nedbank Cup in May finally ended a 10-year trophy drought, but expectations remain sky-high. Supporters want sustained success, not another decade-long wait. With three competitions still on the table this season, the new coaching team has a real opportunity to add to the club’s trophy cabinet. Delivering silverware will be essential to keeping fans onside.
3. Getting New Signings to Perform
Chiefs were active in the transfer market, bringing in players to strengthen the squad. While Monyane impressed before his injury, several other new recruits have yet to make a real impact. Lebohang Maboe and Etiosa Ighodaro, for example, are still waiting to feature regularly. Youssef and Kaze must find a way to integrate these signings effectively and get the best out of them.
4. Unlocking Mfundo Vilakazi’s Potential
Youngster Mfundo Vilakazi turned heads with his standout performances at the FIFA U20 World Cup, playing a key creative role in the number 10 position. Fans have been vocal on social media, urging the club to give him more minutes in the senior team. The coaches may face mounting pressure to hand the talented midfielder a bigger role in the starting lineup.
5. Fixing the Goal-Scoring Problem
Chiefs’ frontline has struggled to find form, with key attackers failing to convert their chances. Missed penalties from Glody Lilepo and Gaston Sirino have only highlighted their attacking woes. For Youssef and Kaze, finding a way to get their forwards firing again will be crucial if Chiefs are to challenge for honours this season.
A Defining Period for Kaizer Chiefs’ Season
Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze step into their new roles with both opportunity and pressure. Defensive frailties, fan expectations, and attacking inefficiency all pose significant hurdles but with strong leadership and smart tactical adjustments, they have a chance to keep Chiefs’ season on track and compete for silverware.
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