Amakhosi announced on Tuesday that co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze have left the club, bringing an end to a turbulent but largely improved campaign at Naturena. The duo was thrust into the spotlight not even midway through the 2025/26 season after the departure of former head coach Nasreddine Nabi in October. 

Initially brought in as part of Nabi’s technical team, Ben Youssef and Kaze were handed the responsibility of steadying the ship during a difficult period for one of South Africa’s biggest football institutions.

Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze. Photo: X

Despite the pressure that comes with the Chiefs’ hot seat, the pair managed to guide the Glamour Boys to their strongest league finish in six years. Chiefs collected 54 points in the Premiership, their second-highest tally in more than a decade, offering supporters a glimpse of progress after several frustrating seasons.

Across all competitions, including the Premiership, CAF Confederation Cup, Nedbank Cup, and Carling Knockout Cup, the two coaches oversaw 39 matches. Under their leadership, Chiefs recorded 19 victories, 11 draws, and just nine defeats.

While their domestic form showed signs of recovery, the club’s continental ambitions ended in heartbreak. Chiefs narrowly missed out on a place in the CAF Confederation Cup knockout stages after finishing level on 10 points in Group D, only to be eliminated on goal difference.

Pitso Mosimane. Photo: X

The club also confirmed that conditioning coach Majdi Safi has departed following the conclusion of the campaign.

In an official statement, Chiefs thanked the outgoing coaches for their professionalism and commitment during a challenging chapter in the club’s rebuilding process, while promising supporters that more announcements regarding the technical team and squad will follow in the coming weeks. Attention has now immediately shifted to who will take over the reins at Naturena, with speculation already mounting around several high-profile names for several months.

One name dominating the conversation is former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly mentor Pitso Mosimane. The highly decorated coach has long been linked with a return to South African football, and many Amakhosi supporters believe he could be the man to restore the club to its former glory.

Manqoba Mngqithi. Photo: X

Mosimane’s vast experience, strong personality, and proven track record of winning trophies on the continent would undoubtedly make him an attractive option for a Chiefs side desperate to end their silverware drought and re-establish themselves as genuine title contenders.

Another name that keeps popping up is that of Manqoba Mngqithi of Golden Arrows, who is the former Mamelodi Sundowns boss. There is a suggestion that Mngqithi will reunite with Mosimane as his assistant, as was the case in their days at the Brazilians.

For now, however, Chiefs find themselves back at a familiar crossroads - searching for stability, direction, and the right leader capable of carrying the weight of one of Africa’s most demanding football brands.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh