Ben Youssef urges Kaizer Chiefs to maintain consistency in title bid

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef says the club’s focus remains firmly on fighting for silverware this season as they look to build on their steady start under the new technical team.

With early challenges in the campaign already behind them, Amakhosi have slowly begun to find rhythm and belief — and Youssef insists that their ambitions have not changed despite the twists of the league season so far. The Naturena-based outfit made a blistering start to the campaign, keeping five cleansheets in their opening five matches including  a draw against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns. 

“For a team the size of Kaizer Chiefs, the target is the same every season — we compete for every position we’re in,” said Youssef.

“So, we’re out of the Carling Cup, but there’s the Nedbank Cup, the league and the African Cup (CAF Confederation Cup). In every game, we fight and compete and think about winning the title.”

Chiefs endured a frustrating spell of three consecutive league draws earlier in the campaign, but their recent turnaround has lifted confidence in the camp. Youssef said the team’s improved form is the product of patience and persistence.

“Last time, we struggled a little bit with three draws, and now we are back to winning,” he said. “We continue to fight and we’ll see the results afterwards.”

The Tunisian tactician emphasised that consistency remains the key ingredient in Chiefs’ title challenge, something that eluded them in the previous season.

“I think it was our problem last season — we weren’t consistent in our performances and results,” he explained. “The target of the team now is to keep winning games.”

As Chiefs prepare to face Orbit College at FNB Stadium on Wednesday, Youssef urged his players to maintain the same drive that has brought them back into contention.

“We need to play every game like a cup game now to keep that consistency,” he said. “We need to win against Orbit to stay in the top three of the Betway Premiership.”

Youssef also revealed encouraging updates on long-term absentees Given Msimango and Rushwin Dortley, who are both close to returning.

“Dortley will probably be back with us in two weeks to start training,” he confirmed. “Given is part of the team now, training with us and ready — we’re just monitoring his fitness, and when he’s good, we’ll introduce him.”

With belief slowly returning and competition at the top tightening, Youssef remains convinced that Chiefs have both the quality and the mentality to mount a serious challenge across all fronts this season.