Cedric Kaze: Kaizer Chiefs Coach Praised for Masterminding 8–0 National Team Victory

• Cedric Kaze has been hailed for his impact during Burundi's emphatic victory over Chad in the preliminary AFCON 2027 qualifiers
• The Kaizer Chiefs coach was allowed to take over the role of a technical advisor during the international break by Amakhosi
• A former Burundian international has showered praises on the Glamour Boys mentor for his impact in his country's 8-0 win

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach, Cedric Kaze, has earned praise after playing a key role in guiding his country, Burundi, into the qualifying stages of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The former Barcelona academy coach was allowed by Kaizer Chiefs to become the Burundi national team's technical advisor during the International break and was involved in the team's preliminary AFCON 2027 ties against Chad.

Despite being under pressure at Kaizer Chiefs alongside Khalil Ben Youssef, Kaze delivered as Burundi produced a dominant display, cruising to an overwhelming 8-0 win on aggregate.

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Burundi thrash Chad in AFCON qualifiers

Burundi secured victories in both legs with 4-0 scorelines, a remarkable feat in the nation’s football history. Many have credited Kaze’s involvement as a decisive factor behind the team’s impressive showing.

The win sees Burundi book a place in the main qualifying group phase, set to run between September and November. The 2027 AFCON tournament itself will be staged across East Africa, with matches hosted in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

It is yet to be confirmed that Kaze will continue working as technical advisor for his country's national team in the forthcoming qualifiers, and he might fully take over the coaching job if he's eventually let go by Amakhosi at the end of the season.

Kitenge hails Kaze after Burundi's win

Former Burundi international goalkeeper Aime Kitenge lauded Kaze’s impact, noting how quickly he transformed the squad’s dynamic.

Kitenge remarked that Kaze brought a renewed sense of energy and direction to the national setup, pointing out that such a convincing two-legged victory is a first in Burundi’s history. He added that Kaze’s football acumen and clarity of approach were evident even within a short time working with the team.

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Kitenge, regarded as one of Burundi’s most experienced exports in South African football, also stressed the level of respect Kaze commanded within the camp.

He claimed that the Burundian players and the technical crew welcomed Kaze's coaching ideas and responded positively to them. He admitted that the Amakhosi's mentor's influence was duly showcased in the team's performances over the two legs.

It is expected that Kaze will replicate the positive coaching ideas he showcased with the Burundian national team at Kaizer Chiefs as he returns to club football after the international break. The Burudian tactician's tactical approach is needed as the 2025-26 season enters its closing stages, and Amakhosi need to finish strong with the hope of securing a place in the CAF Confederation Cup next campaign.

Kaizer Chiefs extends key player's contract

Briefly News earlier reported that Kaizer Chiefs have decided to extend one of their key players' contracts ahead of the 2026-27 Premier Soccer League season.

The Amakhosi star's contract was expected to come to an end in the summer, but the Glamour Boys are not ready to let the player go.

Source: Briefly News