Kaze Responds To “Translator” Labels Amid Winning Streak
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has dismissed critics who labeled him a “translator,” citing the club’s four-match winning streak as proof of his coaching pedigree.
Kaze arrived at Amakhosi last season as an assistant under Tunisian mentor Nasreddine Nabi, where he also served as a translator.
Following Nabi’s departure earlier this campaign, Kaze stepped into a bigger role alongside Khalil Ben Youssef as co-coaches. However, their appointment was met with heavy criticism, especially during a difficult period of inconsistent results.
The situation worsened after Chiefs lost the Soweto Derby in February, prompting sections of the fanbase to label the pair as “translators” rather than capable coaches.
Frustration among supporters escalated, with some even marching to Naturena to demand that management sack both coaches. Despite the pressure, Kaze remained focused, and fortunes have since turned in their favour.
Chiefs have now registered four consecutive victories, climbing to third place on the table with 42 points, and the Burundian mentor addressed both the criticism and the team’s resurgence after their 2-0 win over TS Galaxy on Sunday.
“I know that football is quite difficult, and on social media everyone thinks their opinions are important, but the biggest thing is the trust we have from the club,” he said.
“I’m going to repeat what others have said before — this is the biggest club in South Africa. I was born in a small country, Burundi — what are the odds that I’d be here? That means I have been in very big spaces, and these comments don’t hurt me personally.
“I know what I am capable of, and with the trust we have from the club, we will do everything we can to place the team where it belongs.”
Kaze also reflected on the importance of consistency, highlighting how the current run marks a significant improvement compared to last season.
“I think we are here to rebuild and stabilise the club. Consistency has been lacking because last season we could win one or two games in a row but struggled to make it three or four,” he added.
“We emphasise every day in training that we must stay hungry and use every session to improve, because at a club of this size you cannot afford to relax or feel like you have already arrived.
“We have eight games to go, and as coaches we know what we want to achieve. We are here to restore the club, and we will do our best.”
With confidence returning and criticism fading, Amakhosi will look to continue their strong run when they travel to face Magesi FC at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday in a Betway Premiership clash.
