Collins Mbesuma’s advice to incoming Kaizer Chiefs coach

Kaizer Chiefs legend Collins Mbesuma has urged the Amakhosi management to prioritise continuity at Naturena, suggesting that the incoming head coach should retain current co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze as part of a revamped technical team.

The Soweto giants are widely expected to appoint a permanent successor to Nasreddine Nabi ahead of the 2026/27 season, with Ben Youssef and Kaze’s interim tenure likely to conclude in June.

Despite a challenging campaign that saw the Glamour Boys miss out on all domestic knockout silverware and the CAF Confederation Cup, Mbesuma believes the duo possesses invaluable “on-the-ground” knowledge that a new coach would desperately need.

“Those coaches who are currently there should stay and work with the new coach for continuity,” Mbesuma told FARPost. “The new coach will find people who are already on the ground to help them. That will make it easy… they can work together in correcting what was going wrong.”

Will Ben Youssef & Kaze Stay? Mbesuma Makes Chiefs Plea

While the trophy drought continues, Chiefs remain in a heated battle for a top-three finish in the Betway Premiership. Currently sitting in fourth—just one point behind AmaZulu FC with two games in hand—the pressure is on the interim pair to secure continental football and pacify a restless fan base before handing over the reins.

Mbesuma insists that the planning for next season must start immediately, even if the new man hasn’t officially taken the bench.

“I think this is the right time… even if he does not directly start working, he will just start planning. Chiefs need a coach for the long term,” the former Zambian international added.

Having played for all three of South Africa’s “Big Three,” Mbesuma knows the weight of the Chiefs jersey. He cautioned that any European appointment must be balanced with a deep understanding of local football nuances.

“Maybe we need a coach who understands African football, who has ideas of the culture of African football,” he noted. “If they are to take someone from Europe, we need a coach who can balance African and European football.”

With a defensive crisis looming ahead of crucial April fixtures, the leadership at Naturena faces a defining few weeks that will shape the club’s trajectory for years to come.