The winds of change at Naturena may finally be settling into a steady breeze. Former Orlando Pirates talisman Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi has weighed in on the future of Kaizer Chiefs, suggesting that the club is likely to stick with Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze for the foreseeable future.
Since taking the reins following Nasreddine Nabi’s departure in September, the duo has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, transforming Amakhosi from mid-table strugglers into continental contenders.
The Case for Continuity: From 9th to 3rd
Vilakazi’s assessment is rooted in the undeniable upward trajectory of the team under the current leadership. After failing to even break into the top eight for two consecutive seasons, Chiefs have finished the current campaign in third position, officially securing a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup.
“They will keep them, I’m telling you,” Vilakazi stated on Soccerbeat. “Management will say ‘let’s sit with them.’ They took us from number nine and put us in third. Compared to last season, they did exceptionally well.”
A Season of “Giant-Slaying”
While the trophy cabinet remains empty this year—a fact that still stings the Amakhosi faithful—the coaching duo has restored a sense of pride through big-match performances:
- Sundowns Stalemate: Secured two vital points against the dominant Mamelodi Sundowns.
- Derby Discipline: Stole a hard-fought point from arch-rivals Orlando Pirates.
- Continental Return: Earned a ticket back to African competition, a massive financial and reputational boost for the club.
The “Tso” Caveat: Are They Title Contenders?
Despite advocating for their retention based on current results, Vilakazi remains skeptical about the long-term ceiling of the Ben Youssef-Kaze partnership.
While acknowledging the improvement, he questioned whether they possess the tactical depth to consistently challenge Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates for league titles rather than just podium finishes.
Expert Backing: The Ertugral Endorsement
Vilakazi isn’t the only voice calling for calm. Former Chiefs mentor Muhsin Ertugral recently urged the board to prioritize stability. Ertugral argued that constant managerial turnover has been the club’s Achilles’ heel and that allowing the current pair a full pre-season is the most logical step toward a sustainable revival.
