According to Soccer Beat reporter Kurt Buckerfield, Kaizer Chiefs will not be exercising the options to extend the contracts of Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze. The duo took over the reins in October 2025, following the dramatic departure of former coach Nasreddine Nabi, for whom they had served as assistants.
Despite the challenges they faced, Ben Youssef and Kaze managed to steady the ship, and their efforts will see Kaizer Chiefs finish the 2025/26 campaign in third place, with 54 points accumulated so far. This is a notable achievement, as the team will hit the 50-point mark for the first time in six years. They also secured a return to the MTN8 after back-to-back absences, which is a significant step forward for the club.
Assessing the Tenure of Ben Youssef and Kaze
One of the key areas where Ben Youssef and Kaze made a significant impact was in tightening up the team’s defence. Under their guidance, goalkeeper Brandon Petersen kept 15 clean sheets in the Betway Premiership, providing the defensive stability that had been missing for several seasons. However, this defensive improvement did not translate into cup competitions, where the team suffered early exits in both the Carling Knockout and the Nedbank Cup.
The team’s overall displays and lack of an exciting playing style also left many Kaizer Chiefs supporters underwhelmed. While they regularly picked up results in the league, the standards expected by the club’s fanbase were not met. The team’s continental campaign also ended in disappointment, as they failed to progress beyond the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup.
A New Era for Kaizer Chiefs
Meanwhile, the club has been heavily linked with Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi, who has an impressive CV that includes five league titles and a CAF Champions League winner’s medal earned during his time at Mamelodi Sundowns. Mngqithi has emerged as one of South African football’s standout coaches this season, with his work at Golden Arrows turning the team into one of the Betway Premiership’s most exciting attacking teams.
Under Mngqithi’s guidance, Arrows have scored 34 goals in 29 league matches, making them the division’s third-highest scorers behind Orlando Pirates and Sundowns. His influence at the club has been significant, and he has shown an ability to combine attacking football with results, despite working with a relatively modest squad. Mngqithi’s player development record has also been impressive, with several players improving significantly under his guidance.
Mngqithi’s Credentials
Mngqithi’s experience across domestic and African football makes him a strong candidate for the Kaizer Chiefs job. He has a sharp eye for recruitment and player development, and has nurtured talents such as Malibongwe Khoza and Kutlwano Letlaku during his time at Sundowns. With his impressive credentials and achievements, Mngqithi could be the ideal fit for what Kaizer Chiefs management are looking for in their next head coach.
