Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi has delivered a blunt verdict on Kaizer Chiefs’ coaching situation, insisting the club will keep interim coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze. Speaking on Soccerbeat, Vilakazi argued that securing a top-three finish in the Betway Premiership and qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup has effectively locked the duo into their roles. “They will keep them, I’m telling you,” Vilakazi said, pointing out that the coaches took Amakhosi from ninth place to third, a dramatic turnaround after two seasons outside the top eight. The Pirates legend even predicted this outcome when Nasreddine Nabi left in September, suggesting management would choose continuity over bringing Nabi back if results continued.
However, Vilakazi stopped short of full endorsement, expressing doubts about whether Ben Youssef and Kaze can carry the club forward to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates at the highest level. While acknowledging their improvement over last season, he noted the pair finished the campaign trophyless, a fact that will frustrate many Kaizer Chiefs fans. Nevertheless, the Glamour Boys can take pride in taking two points from Sundowns and stealing a point from their archrivals Pirates, achievements that bolster the case for stability.
The argument for retaining the coaches has also been backed by former Amakhosi head coach Muhsin Ertugral, who pleaded with the club to avoid a coaching change during pre-season. Ertugral warned that stability is essential to the club’s revival, urging management not to look elsewhere. With a strong finish to the season and tangible progress in the league standings, it appears increasingly likely that Ben Youssef and Kaze will remain at the helm at Naturena in the coming months.