Cedric Kaze set for Burundi role after Kaizer Chiefs’ blessing

Kaizer Chiefs have officially confirmed the release of co-coach Cedric Kaze to join the Burundi national team setup for the upcoming FIFA international window.

The move comes after the Burundi Football Association formally approached the Soweto giants to secure Kaze’s tactical expertise for their crucial 2027 AFCON preliminary qualifying double-header against Chad.

In an official statement released by the club, Amakhosi confirmed that Kaze—a former assistant coach for Intamba m’Urugamba (The Swallows) until 2015—will take up a newly created role as Technical Adviser. He is expected to work alongside the existing Burundian technical team to navigate the two-legged tie.

Chiefs’ Statement on Kaze

“Kaizer Chiefs coach Cedric Kaze has been called up to join the Burundi national team during the current FIFA international break. The Club has agreed to release him for this period.

“Burundi will face Chad in the Africa Cup of Nations preliminary qualifiers, playing away on 27 March and at home four days later.

“Kaze, a Burundian national, who previously served as assistant coach for Intamba m’Urugamba (The Swallows) until 2015, will assume a new role as Technical Adviser, working alongside the current technical team.

“He will return to Naturena after the second qualifier on 31 March as the Glamour Boys prepare for their next Betway Premiership fixture against Orbit College on Easter Monday, 6 April in Gqeberha.

“The Club extends its best wishes to Coach Kaze as he shares his expertise and continues to grow his experience on the international stage.”

The timing of the release is a strategic win for both parties. With the Betway Premiership currently on a hiatus for the FIFA break, Kaze’s absence will not disrupt the team’s immediate match-day preparations.

The 44-year-old tactician, who has been credited with stabilising the Chiefs’ defence this season, is scheduled to return to Naturena immediately after the second leg on March 31. This ensures he will be back in the dugout as the “Glamour Boys” prepare for their relocated away fixture against Orbit College FC.

That clash is set for Easter Monday, April 6, at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.

For Kaze, the stint represents a homecoming of sorts. Having led Atlético Olympic to back-to-back league titles in Burundi earlier in his career, his return to the national fold as a high-profile “export” from the PSL further cements his status as one of East Africa’s premier coaching talents.