sportskeeda
Khalil Ben Youssef, the former co-head coach of Kaizer Chiefs, emphasizes that the Soweto club must acquire experienced, high-quality players who can make a significant impact immediately if they aim to close the gap with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns next season.
The Phefeni Glamour Boys have endured a difficult decade in the PSL, with their latest league title achieved during the 2014/15 season under coach Stuart Baxter.
Since then, Amakhosi have struggled to reclaim their previous dominance, consistently falling short in their pursuit of domestic success.
They came closest to ending their league drought in the 2019/20 season when they led the standings for much of the year, even enjoying an 11-point advantage at one stage.
However, their title dreams were dashed on the final day as Mamelodi Sundowns overtook them to secure the championship.
Since their last league triumph, the club has hired nearly ten coaches in efforts to restore its standing as a dominant force in South African football, yet consistency and trophies remain elusive.
Ben Youssef, who worked as co-head coach alongside Cedric Kaze last season, guided Chiefs to a top-three finish before the two coaches mutually decided to part ways at the end of the season.
As the new season approaches, Chiefs have made merely one signing to date, acquiring former Stellenbosch FC centre-back Thabiso Moloisane after he became a free agent following his contract’s expiration.
Reflecting on the club’s recruitment approach before his departure, Ben Youssef shared that a comprehensive assessment of the squad had been conducted.
“Yes, we had already set the foundation when the season wrapped up. We compiled all reports from the season and also formulated our recruitment strategies,” he noted on SNAWA.
“The team needs a left winger, a midfielder, a left-back, a goalkeeper, and a centre-back. That’s five new additions.
“Except for the goalkeeper, who would back up Bruce Bvuma and Brandon Petersen, the remaining four positions — left winger, midfielder, centre-back, and left-back — should be filled by top-quality players prepared to make an immediate contribution.
“They should be injury-free, not players with limited playtime, and must not hail from lower divisions. They need to be actively competing in top-flight football and ready to deliver right away.
“If we want to compete for the PSL title next season, that’s what we need. Otherwise, we’ll risk continuing to cycle through players who may have potential but lack readiness or experience.
“This would mean investing time in their development and improvement. That process is lengthy because while you’re building over one or two years, teams like Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns swiftly enhance their squad with every signing.”
Ben Youssef’s comments highlight the increasing urgency at Naturena as Chiefs aim to reclaim their position at the pinnacle of South African football.
With the new season approaching and only one signing completed so far, the club is facing a critical transfer window that could be crucial in breaking its long wait for another league title.
