It was not ideal for the Kaizer Chiefs to lose a key assistant coach in August, but that’s football. Coach Nasreddine Nabi is replacing Fernando Da Cruz, the departed assistant coach, with an African star coach.
KAIZER CHIEFS LOSE FERNANDO DA CRUZ
As reported by Amakhosi in September, Nabi’s second assistant coach, Da Cruz left Naturena after accepting an offer to be the Technical Director at the Morocco Football Association.
Full statement from Kaizer Chiefs:
“Kaizer Chiefs wishes to announce that the Club has accepted an offer for assistant coach Fernando Da Cruz to take up a position at the Moroccan Football Federation.
‘“I would like to thank Kaizer Chiefs, Chairman and all the supporters for the welcome and affection they gave from the first day I landed in South Africa,” says Da Cruz. “Thank you to the players, staff and everyone involved for making sure that everything was fantastic for me. I wish this great Club everything of the best.”’
“As Kaizer Chiefs, we would like to thank coach Fernando for his contributions to the team and the commitment he has shown during his time with us. The Club fully supports his decision and wishes him all the best for the future.
“Further announcements will follow in due course.”
CEDRIC KAZE COMING TO AMAKHOSI
According to FARposts‘ leading reporter Mthokozisi Dube, Nabi’s former Burundian assistant coach at Young Africans in Tanzania, Cedric Kaze, is coming to Kaizer Chiefs to replace Da Cruz.
“Cedric Kaze is set to be named as the new assistant coach for Kaizer Chiefs, filling the void left by Fernando Da Cruz. The Frenchman made a surprise move to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation last month after a brief two-month stint with Chiefs,” Dube reported.
“Next week could see the arrival of the Burundian, but only if the crucial visa hurdle is cleared in time. Kaze, who boasts a strong track record, previously worked with head coach Nasreddine Nabi. The highly-rated Burundian coach comes in as second assistant behind Khalil Ben Youssef. Together, they will work alongside head coach Nabi, with whom they previously enjoyed a successful partnership at Young Africans in Tanzania.
“Kaze brings a wealth of experience and a meticulous approach to his role. The 45-year-old is a strong advocate for the ‘science of football,’ emphasising detailed planning, analysis, technique and tactics. This approach is underpinned by his Bachelor of Sport Science degree and reinforced by his CAF and German Football Federation A Licenses.
“His impressive coaching CV includes four league titles with Burundi’s Atletico Olympic and Young Africans. He also had a successful stint with Mukura Victory Sports in Rwanda. Kaze has also held various roles within the Burundi national team setup. Notably, he spent two and a half years working with Barcelona’s youth teams,” Dube concluded.
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