Kaizer Chiefs release coach Cédric Kaze for Burundi duty as AFCON qualifiers beckon

South African outfit Kaizer Chiefs have released their coach Cedric Kaze to temporally join the Burundi national team ahead of the March international break.

Kaze joins to offer support to the technical team of his native country step preparation for their crucial Africa Cup of Nations preliminary qualifiers against Chad.

“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,” the statement read.

Burundi are set to face Chad in a two-legged encounter, with the first leg scheduled away on March 27 before hosting the return fixture four days later. The clashes form part of the preliminary stage of the race to secure qualification for the continent’s flagship tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations.

Kaze, a proud Burundian, is no stranger to the national team environment. He previously served as an assistant coach for the Swallows—locally known as Intamba m’Urugamba—until 2015. This time, however, he will take on a new responsibility as Technical Adviser, where he is expected to lend his expertise and experience to the current technical bench.

His temporary departure comes at a time when Kaizer Chiefs are continuing their preparations for the domestic run-in. The club has, however, thrown its full support behind the coach’s international assignment, viewing it as an opportunity for professional growth and international exposure.

Kaze is expected to return to Naturena shortly after the second leg on March 31, just in time to rejoin the squad ahead of their next Betway Premiership fixture. Amakhosi are scheduled to face Orbit College FC on April 6 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 statement concluded.

Kaze’s involvement with Burundi not only highlights his growing reputation within African football circles but also underscores the strong ties between club and country, as he looks to contribute to his nation’s quest for continental qualification.