Kaizer Chiefs axe coaches despite best finish in six years

Despite guiding Amakhosi to their best league finish in six years, the duo will not have their contracts renewed as the Soweto giants begin the search for a new head coach ahead of the next campaign.

Kaze and Ben Youssef took charge earlier this season after Nasreddine Nabi’s abrupt departure, with the club opting to retain the technical staff that had arrived with the Tunisian mentor rather than overhaul the entire setup. 

However, their exit appeared increasingly likely after Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr. publicly stated on Amakhosi Radio two months ago that the club’s objective had been qualification for the CAF Champions League. 

While Chiefs managed to secure an impressive third place finish and a CAF Confederation Cup berth, they ultimately fell short of the hierarchy’s primary target and this has pushed to a decision to allow them to leave.

Chiefs are also understood to be engaged in discussions regarding playing personnel, with several contracts due to expire in the coming weeks. 

The club is expected to make key decisions on the squad as they map out their direction for next season with a frantic next few weeks likely. 

The latest coaching change continues a trend of instability on the Chiefs bench in recent years, with the club having moved through a succession of coaches including Ernst Middendorp, Gavin Hunt, Stuart Baxter in his second spell, Cavin Johnson, Arthur Zwane, Molefi Ntseki Nabi, and now the pair of Kaze as well as Ben Youssef.