Cedric Kaze urges caution as Kaizer Chiefs close in on Mamelodi Sundowns
Premier Soccer League
Kaizer Chiefs' Glody Lilepo, left, is challenged by Bheki Mabuza of Marumo Gallants during their Betway Premiership match at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Wednesday. Lilepo scored the only goal of the game to secure a 1-0 win for Amakhosi. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: Backpagepix
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has cautioned that there is still significant work to be done as his side look to sustain their recent run of improved results and build momentum in what is shaping up to be a potential league title challenge.
Amakhosi moved into second place on the Betway Premiership standings, just two points adrift of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, after edging Marumo Gallants 1–0, thanks to a second-half strike from Glody Lilepo.
While Chiefs’ performances have not always been fluent across the full 90 minutes this season, a key positive has been their growing ability to grind out results in difficult circumstances, a trend that left Kaze satisfied with the outcome as he explained the adjustments that helped his side secure the win.
“I am happy with the three points. I believe that we didn’t start the game well; the first half was a little bit sloppy and reactive,” Kaze said, during the post-match interview on SuperSport.
“We had to tell the players that if we wanted the three points, we needed to go out there, get on the front foot and not react to every pass and movement they made. I believe the second half was much better, and what a goal.”
Attention will now turn to continental competition, with Amakhosi set to face Zesco United in the Caf Confederation Cup on Sunday, as Kaze stressed the importance of maintaining consistency, staying grounded and continuing to improve, while also highlighting the impact of certain individuals.
“Now we are going to focus on the Caf Confederation Cup on Sunday," he continued.
“We are happy with the contributions of (Siphesihle) Ndlovu and (Flavio) Silva. When they came in, they stabilised the team and we were able to be more threatening in our attacks.
“With consistency, we have to work every day. We have to criticise ourselves and improve every day, and the players are willing to do the work for Kaizer Chiefs.
“Everyone is responding in a positive way. We have to work hard because the season is far from over and there is everything to play for.”