Kaizer Chiefs have announced a significant change in their tactical leadership following the departure of former head coach Nasreddine Nabi. Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze have been appointed to steer the team for the remainder of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. This move aims to stabilize the club as it navigates both domestic and African competitions, marking a new chapter for Amakhosi.

Nasreddine Nabi's tenure at Kaizer Chiefs, which began in July 2024 after his arrival from Morocco's AS FAR, was characterized by a mix of highs and lows. While he was brought in with high hopes of restoring the club's former glory, his reign produced inconsistent results, including a disappointing ninth-place finish in the Betway Premiership. Despite these challenges, Nabi etched his name in the club's history by securing the Nedbank Cup championship, ending the club's decade-long trophy drought. Unfortunately, a difficult start to the new season with three defeats in four games, combined with a recent suspension, ultimately sealed his fate, leading to the club confirming his departure on Friday.

During his time, Nabi faced several personal challenges that led him to miss a total of 11 matches. These included two absences due to illness last season and nine more this current campaign due to compassionate leave and later a suspension. It was during these periods that his assistants, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, stepped up and showcased their capabilities. Under their interim guidance, Kaizer Chiefs demonstrated promising form, achieving an impressive record of seven wins, two draws, and just two defeats in those games.

The appointment of Ben Youssef and Kaze as the new tactical leadership brings a wealth of experience and distinct approaches to the club. Khalil Ben Youssef, a Tunisian coach, is renowned for his analytical mind and calm demeanor on the touchline. He holds both CAF B and CAF A Licences, and his curriculum vitae includes significant assistant coaching roles at prominent clubs such as Al Adalah in Saudi Arabia, Club Africain and Stade Tunisien in Tunisia, and Young Africans in Tanzania.

Cedric Kaze, hailing from Burundi, complements Youssef's approach with a strong focus on player development. Kaze possesses a Bachelor of Sports Science degree, a CAF A Licence, and notably, a German FA A Licence, highlighting his comprehensive coaching education. His extensive coaching journey has seen him serve as head coach for the Burundi U17, U20, and U23 national teams, an assistant coach for the Burundi senior national team, and both an assistant and later head coach at Young Africans.

Following his departure, Nabi shared a heartfelt message to his former club. He expressed pride and gratitude to his players, lamenting not being able to say a proper goodbye. He encouraged the young players, whom he called "the jewels of this club," to believe in themselves, work hard, and dream big. Nabi also extended his thanks to the Kaizer Chiefs chairman, Dr. Kaizer Motaung, the supporters, and the technical team, stating his intact pride in wearing the gold and black colors and ending the club's trophy drought. Speculation now surrounds Nabi's next move, with reports placing him in Egypt and linking him with a potential return to Yanga, where he previously enjoyed back-to-back league titles.