Khalil Ben Youssef eyes derby boost as Kaizer Chiefs build title momentum for next season

Kaizer Chiefs’ co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef claims the team should be ready to challenge for the Betway Premiership next season after showing growth and structure this campaign.

Chiefs are set to finish third in the standings next month – their highest finish since they were runners-up in the 2019/2020 season.

That possibility, perhaps, wouldn’t have materialised if it weren’t for Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, who have turned detractors into admirers in recent weeks, enjoying a purple patch of five succesive wins and one draw in six league games.

The duo could further endear themselves to the club faithful if they secure wins against Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in the next few days, starting in the Soweto derby at FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon (3pm kick-off).

Ben Youssef is pleased with the recent run of form, so much so that he believes they could leave the jersey better than they found it as their future at the club remains uncertain.

“I think we’ve made it easier for continuity next season – whether we’ll be there or not,” said Ben Youssef at the Soweto derby pre-match press conference at The Venue in Johannesburg on Thursday. “The team will be there; the structure will also be there.

“I think next season the team will be able to fight for the league. As a team, we are focusing on ourselves, and we don’t have pressure.”

Ben Youssef has stressed the importance of keeping their foot firmly on the pedal and preparing well to face Pirates in the league.

“We always repeat in every press conference that we are taking each game as it comes and we have to win,” Ben Youssef said. “If the players are ready, we believe we will win the game.”

“The most important thing is that the players must be ready physically, tactically, technically and mentally to win on Sunday. If we are ready, we won’t worry about the opponent. We respect all teams, but we are only focusing on ourselves,” he added.