Cedric Kaze gives his opinion on having four Kaizer Chiefs players in the AFCON preliminary squad! | OneFootball

The assistant coach is proud of what his team's players are doing.

Cedric Kaze gives his opinion on having four Kaizer Chiefs players in the AFCON preliminary squad!

Cedric Kaze, one of Kaizer Chiefs' co-coaches, sees a clear sign of progress at the club shining through the recent national team selections. With the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on the horizon, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has unveiled an extensive 55-man preliminary squad, and nestled within it are four Chiefs players.

This contingent includes goalkeeper Brandon Peterson, defenders Thabiso Monyane and Bradley Cross, and midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala. For Kaze, this is more than just a list of names; it's a testament to the collective dedication poured into the team over the past several months.

Reflecting on the journey, Kaze noted that not long ago, seeing a Chiefs player in the national setup was a rarity. "This is a reward for all the relentless effort," he shared with journalists. "To have four players recognized, even at this preliminary stage, marks a significant step forward for us. It’s a tangible signal that we are moving in the right direction."

He emphasized that the players themselves are now fully aware of what this recognition means. Their challenge, as Kaze sees it, is to maintain their momentum. "Consistency is the key," he added. "If we, as a team, continue on this path, we can realistically hope to see even more of our players representing the country in the future."

The call for unity and support extends beyond the national team, as Chiefs prepare for a crucial CAF Confederation Cup clash against Egypt's Zamalek SC at a sold-out Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. Kaze made a heartfelt appeal to the Amakhosi faithful, whose passion is the club's lifeblood.

"Our fans are the reason we are here, playing with pride for this badge," he stated. "We will leave everything on the pitch tomorrow to make them happy, to make them proud. We are counting on them to be our twelfth man, to fill the stadium with their energy and drive us toward a vital victory."