Burundian coach Cédric Kaze has broken his silence on his departure, along with the rest of the technical team, from Kaizer Chiefs following the conclusion of the season.
The entire backroom staff that arrived with Nasreddine Nabi two seasons ago parted ways with Amakhosi. Aside from Kaze, this includes co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef, strength and conditioning coach Majdi Safi, and goalkeeper coach Ilyes Mzoughi.
The technical team leaves despite anchoring a vastly improved campaign, which saw Chiefs secure a CAF Confederation Cup spot after finishing third on the log—a far cry from their finishes outside the top 8 and distant finishes behind league winners in previous seasons.
Statistically, the improvement was evident across the board, including better points tallies, fewer defeats, and a reduced number of goals conceded. Despite these strides, the club decided to make a change for next season.
Kaze admitted he was somewhat conflicted by the club’s decision, feeling both surprised and unsurprised at the same time.
“Not really, it didn’t take me by surprise…but a little bit [it did],” said Kaze during the interview with Robert Marawa on MSW.
“But I feel like there was discussions that seemed to not go in a converging way but that’s the world of football.
“But I’m sure that everyone – because there was two parties that agreed to part ways. I’m pretty sure that everyone has weighed their options and the purpose of what’s coming next.”
‘I’m Very Grateful’
However, he maintained that he holds no grudges and expressed gratitude to management for the opportunity to work at such a massive club.
“I don’t hold any grudge at all,” he continued.
“I’m very grateful, thankful to the institution, to the club, to the chairman, Sporting Director [Kaizer Motaung Jr.], Bobby [Motaung], Jessica [Motaung], Kemi [Motaung] and everyone that we worked around with.
“They have been incredibly supportive during this time. But it’s a journey that comes to an end and we look forward to the future.”