Cedric Kaze’s defiance adds heat to Kaizer Chiefs’ title chase

You have to give it to Cedric Kaze. It must have taken guts – and a great deal of boiling frustration – for him to say what he said on Tuesday night. But for his own sake, I hope the chickens do not come home to roost.

Deep in the bowels of FNB Stadium on Tuesday night, Kaze claimed: “I am giving you (his critics) until the end of the season. We’ll meet, and I am pretty sure everyone will apologise.” His remarks came after he was asked whether he and co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef felt they were trusted enough by everyone associated with Kaizer Chiefs.

While the Burundian explained that they were “trusted and supported internally”, he said it was the outside noise – from certain coaches and members of the media – that disrespected them as Chiefs coaches.

Like any other coach, Kaze has every right to feel frustrated at being undermined as one of the leaders of one of the biggest clubs in Africa, especially given the qualifications that he and Ben Youssef possess.

But at Chiefs, he must remember: you act first and talk later. That’s how you earn respect and leverage.

Third on the log and just two points behind pacesetters Mamelodi Sundowns after 14 games, Chiefs have undeniably had one of their best starts to a season in years, especially after failing to finish in the top eight in back-to-back campaigns. But that doesn’t mean anything. Zilch.

Kaze knows the title race is still a long way from being decided and therefore cannot afford to put his head on the block by declaring Chiefs outright challengers as the campaign enters its latter stages. That caution spoke of a man playing it safe, wary of being burned should things go south.

So for him to suggest that people will eat humble pie by the end of May feels premature, if you ask me.

Defending the Nedbank Cup would be good for Chiefs, but not great. Amakhosi are yearning for their first league championship in 11 years, and should they fail to achieve that, I believe only a top-three finish would be accepted by their supporters as consolation.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has said he is monitoring Chiefs as one of their competitors for the league title this season. But Kaze and Ben Youssef would do well not to get carried away.

Chiefs simply do not possess the same squad depth as Pirates. That is why Pirates are expected to continue developing and progressing with every passing game, especially after already hitting top gear in the first half of the season, winning two trophies and finishing top of the log.

Pirates bolstered their squad during the current transfer window, replacing Tshegofatso Mabasa, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Sinoxolo Kwayiba with Andre de Jong, Mpho Chabatsane and Daniel Msendami, respectively.

Chiefs, meanwhile, have been as quiet as a church mouse in the transfer window, with Kaze reasoning that they already have sufficient depth, having signed no fewer than 13 players in winter.

While one could argue that the club is seeking continuity after doing enough to stay competitive, it has been difficult to see real synergy within the team, clear improvement in their playing style, or consistent standout performers.

Again, I am not saying Chiefs do not have what it takes to remain in the title race until the end of the season. If anything, should luck continue to favour them, they could even go all the way and win the league.

Still, Kaze should be wary of counting his eggs before they hatch. Claiming that people will apologise before the season ends could yet leave him with egg on his face. He might want to ask Cavin Johnson – also retained post-AFCON and without summer signings – how quickly things can turn.