Kaizer Chiefs’ assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef urges fans to support the team through tough times, praising young players after a crucial 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United and calling for patience ahead of the Nedbank Cup.
Kaizer Chiefs’ assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef has sent a heartfelt message to the club’s supporters, urging them to stand by the team in difficult times, as the club looks to bounce back from a recent loss.
The coach emphasized that the Amakhosi need their fans’ support now more than ever, especially after a tough 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United on Sunday, following a disappointing defeat to Golden Arrows just a week earlier.
Ben Youssef’s words come at a time when Kaizer Chiefs have been under intense scrutiny from their loyal fanbase, who have high expectations for the team’s performance.
The assistant coach acknowledged that the team’s recent form has been far from perfect but stressed that their supporters must understand the importance of patience and trust in the process.
He reminded them that the club is heading in the right direction, and the road to success will require resilience from both the players and the fans alike.
“Congratulations to our fans. I hope they forgive us for losing the last game [against Arrows]. They [their fans] have to know that we need them when we are in critical situations more than when we are in good situations.
They have to be sure that we’re in the right direction, but we just need patience,” Ben Youssef said after the match against Sekhukhune.
The game was a crucial one for the Chiefs, who were coming off a frustrating loss to Golden Arrows.
However, the victory over Sekhukhune provided a much-needed boost to the team, with Mfundo Vilakazi coming off the bench to score the only goal of the match in the 86th minute.
The match also saw Sekhukhune reduced to 10 men after Vuyo Letlapa was shown a red card in the 84th minute for a foul on Vilakazi.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi, who had been sent off in the previous match against Arrows, was not present in the dugout for the game against Sekhukhune, leaving Ben Youssef to manage the team from the sideline.
Despite the absence of their head coach, the Chiefs showed determination and composure, particularly in the final moments of the match, when Vilakazi’s late goal sealed the three points.
Ben Youssef also took the opportunity to praise the team’s younger players, who played a key role in the win. Wandile Dube, 20, and Samkelo Zwane, 23, both started the match, while 19-year-old Vilakazi came on as a substitute and made an immediate impact.
The performance of the young players was a bright spot for the assistant coach, who acknowledged the challenges faced by these youngsters in a high-pressure environment like Kaizer Chiefs.
“To be honest with you, our young players did very well… they performed very well. The problem with our young players is that there is a lot of pressure from outside,” Ben Youssef said.
“When you are at a big team like Chiefs, you can’t be protected, and you have to perform every day, so we try to protect them by starting them off the bench.
In this game, Vilakazi was the best player because he scored, and he also defended very well.
He gave us three points, and that gives us confidence to prepare for the cup game [against Gauteng ABC Motsepe League side Free Agents at FNB Stadium on Sunday in the first round of the Nedbank Cup].”
The praise for the young players is a testament to the potential within the Kaizer Chiefs squad. However, the pressure on these players to perform consistently is immense, given the club’s rich history and the high expectations of their fans.
For young players like Vilakazi, Dube, and Zwane, the journey to becoming regular first-team members is one filled with both excitement and challenges.
Ben Youssef’s recognition of their efforts is a reminder that, while the players may be young, they are expected to deliver on the big stage.
Ben Youssef’s comments also highlighted the importance of the upcoming Nedbank Cup match, where Kaizer Chiefs will face Free Agents, a team from the Gauteng ABC Motsepe League.
The cup competition presents an opportunity for the Chiefs to build momentum and gain confidence ahead of the rest of the season.
For the team, every match is a chance to prove themselves and show that they are capable of competing at the highest level.
The win over Sekhukhune, while important, is just one step in the long journey for Kaizer Chiefs this season. With the team still grappling with inconsistency, the role of the fans in providing unwavering support during tough times cannot be overstated.
Ben Youssef’s call for patience is a reminder that success does not come overnight, and the road to glory is often paved with setbacks and challenges.
For the supporters, the message is clear: their team needs them more than ever. In the face of adversity, the Chiefs must rely on the strength of their fanbase to carry them through difficult times.
The passionate Amakhosi faithful have long been the backbone of the club, and their continued support will be crucial in the coming weeks and months as Kaizer Chiefs aim to return to their winning ways.
As the season progresses, the focus will be on building consistency, nurturing young talent, and, most importantly, uniting the team and the fans.
The road ahead may be uncertain, but with the right mindset and the support of their fans, Kaizer Chiefs can overcome any obstacle that comes their way.
The victory over Sekhukhune, while significant, is just the beginning. There is still much work to be done, and the team’s journey is far from over.
But with players like Vilakazi stepping up and the guidance of experienced coaches like Ben Youssef, Kaizer Chiefs are well-positioned to continue their quest for success in the Qatar Premier League and beyond.
In conclusion, Ben Youssef’s message to the fans was one of gratitude, humility, and a call for patience. The Chiefs may have stumbled in their previous match, but they are determined to keep moving forward.
With the right support, both on and off the pitch, Kaizer Chiefs can rise above their challenges and make their fans proud once again.