Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze urges focus after snapping four-match slump

Kaizer Chiefs’ co-coach Cedric Kaze has encouraged his team to continue working hard to overturn their fortunes after finally bouncing back to winning ways on Sunday, snapping a four-game losing streak in the Betway Premiership.

Chiefs beat Durban City 1-0 at FNB Stadium on Sunday courtesy of a goal from Glody Lilepo in the second half. The vital win offered Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef some breathing space, as they came into this match under heavy scrutiny.

The duo had been under heavy criticism for the slump in form, with disgruntled fans, club legends, and former coaches expressing their frustrations over the duo’s coaching methods, insisting that it exposed their ineptitude.

Despite momentarily turning the tide, keeping their hopes of finishing in the top-three alive, they trail the third-placed Sekhukhune United, who have played two games more, by just one point. Kaze believes the job is still far from over.

“We just need to cope with the pressure. Block the outside noise, and ensure that we concentrate on football,” explained Kaze during his post-match interview at FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Granted, Chiefs need to focus all-round, but their striking department lacks confidence. That’s why Kaze hopes they can build on Sunday’s goal and clean sheet.

“The character of the players was fantastic on the pitch. I am sure that they knew what was at stake. So, I think the next few games are going to be better,” added Kaze.

Chiefs will have to continue with their improvement in their next game when they host relegation-threatened Magesi at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

*Mihlali Baleka is Independent Media's senior football reporter and a panelist on the group's soccer podcast, The D-Line, which is exclusive on our YouTube channel The Clutch