Kaze refuses to blame tactics, cites ‘mentality’ in Chiefs’ Nedbank Cup exit

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has pointed to a lapse in “mentality” and a lack of clinical finishing as the primary reasons behind the defending champions’ exit from the Nedbank Cup on Wednesday night.

Amakhosi’s title defence went up in smoke at the DHL Stadium as Stellenbosch FC secured a 2-1 victory in the Round of 32, repeating their Carling Knockout heroics from October 2025 at the same venue. The result not only ended Chiefs’ four-match winning streak in 2026 but also stripped them of the “Ke Yona” crown.

The “Decisive” First 20 Minutes

Speaking to SuperSport TV after the whistle, a frustrated Kaze didn’t mince words regarding his side’s sluggish entry into the contest, which saw them trail by two goals within the opening quarter.

“I believe those first minutes were decisive. We didn’t get into the game with the right attitude, with the right mentality,” Kaze lamented. “We conceded goals that were avoidable in the first 20 minutes.”

Despite the early deficit, Kaze maintained that Chiefs were the superior side for much of the encounter, citing a string of missed one-on-one opportunities in the first half that could have changed the complexion of the tie.

A Case of “Unlucky” Finishing, According To Kaze

The second half saw a spirited fightback from the Soweto giants, with Flávio Silva pulling a goal back from the penalty spot. However, a combination of the woodwork and inspired defending kept the champions at bay.

“Today was one of those days where everything you do is not enough. We created a lot of opportunities; in the second half we hit the post two or three times,” Kaze added. “They did well in the second half, but I would say it was an unlucky day.”

While Chiefs were left to rue what might have been, the victory was a massive shot in the arm for Stellenbosch. Steve Barker’s men showed incredible resolve to bounce back from a bruising 3-0 home defeat to CR Belouizdad in the CAF Confederation Cup just days prior.

In a surprising selection move, Orlando Pirates loanee Tshegofatso Mabasa was omitted from the “Maroons” lineup, but the return of defender Thabo Moloisane—who won the early penalty—proved pivotal in stabilising their backline.

The road doesn’t get any easier for Amakhosi. With the Nedbank Cup now off the table, the focus shifts entirely to the Betway Premiership and their own CAF Confederation Cup journey.

“We have to keep our mental strength and look forward to Sunday’s game, which comes very fast and is a massive, massive game for us,” Kaze concluded.