Cedric Kaze says ‘translator’ jibes at Kaizer Chiefs never bothered him

Sekhukhune United head coach Cedric Kaze says he was unfazed by being mocked as a mere “translator” during his spell at Kaizer Chiefs and insists the tag did nothing to diminish his work as a coach.

Kaze, now in charge at Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership, became a familiar presence alongside then Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi during the 2024/25 season, regularly interpreting for the Tunisian at press conferences and in pre- and post-match interviews.

The Burundi coach was widely ridiculed on social media for his role on the touchline and in media briefings, but speaking on Sports Night Amplified on Metro FM with Andile Ncube on Tuesday, he made clear the criticism never affected him.

“I have heard about it [the translator tag],” said Kaze. “It’s funny sometimes because you know in these modern times of social media people they tend to talk about everything and nothing.”

Club asked Kaze not to translate

Kaze revealed that Kaizer Chiefs had actually requested he step back from translation duties, but he chose to continue because he believed it served the team.

“As well you know that time even the club had asked me to even not do the translation but I said I don’t mind because it was not part of my contract and my requirements. But I said that I don’t mind doing it,” he said.

Kaze joined Chiefs as one of Nabi’s assistants when the coach arrived at Naturena at the start of the 2024/25 campaign. Fluent in both French and English, he became the link between Nabi and the media, and at times between the coach and players, relaying instructions and explanations in both languages.

He stressed that stepping into that role was a matter of practicality and commitment rather than job description or status.

“As far as my message can get across very quickly and can help the team to do better I don’t mind,” he said. “Because as well the outside words they don’t hurt me because I know where I’m going, I know where I’m coming from and I know as well what I’m capable of.

“And I hope that time will prove it.”

Trophy success and promotion to co-coach

During Nabi’s tenure, Chiefs ended a decade-long wait for silverware by winning the Nedbank Cup, their first major trophy in 10 years. The triumph also secured qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup in the 2025/26 season.

Kaze was part of the technical team that oversaw that run, working closely with Nabi as an assistant before events took a further turn in his favour.

The former Young Africans head coach Nabi did not see out a second term at Kaizer Chiefs, departing early from his stint at the club. Following his exit, Chiefs elevated Kaze and fellow assistant Khalil Ben Youssef to the dugout as co-coaches.

The promotion underlined the club’s faith in Kaze’s tactical and leadership abilities, in contrast to the perception on social media that reduced him to a supporting act with a microphone.

‘I know what I’m capable of’

Despite the online mockery, Kaze stressed his focus has always been on coaching rather than public perception, and that he remains confident his work on the training ground and in matches will ultimately define him.

Referring to the criticism, he said he always drew strength from his own sense of purpose and experience rather than what was said about him.

“I know where I’m going, I know where I’m coming from and I know as well what I’m capable of,” he reiterated.

For Kaze, the period at Kaizer Chiefs – from translator on the touchline to co-coach after Nabi’s departure – is part of a longer journey he believes will continue to validate his credentials in the dugout.

“And I hope that time will prove it,” he added.