Khalil Ben Youssef Explains Why Chiefs Coaches Were ‘A Little Angry’ Despite Victory Over Richards Bay

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef has revealed the reason behind the technical team’s frustration with players after their narrow 1-0 win over Richards Bay FC. The victory, sealed by second-half substitute Gaston Sirino, marked Amakhosi’s third straight league win and extended their perfect start to the season.

Speaking to SuperSport TV after the game, Youssef admitted that while the result was positive, the team failed to finish the match as strongly as expected. Chiefs dominated possession but only managed a single goal, leaving their coaches dissatisfied with the lack of clinical finishing.

Youssef explained that the tactical changes made at halftime were crucial to securing the three points. “It was expected before the game, even yesterday at the press conference, we said it would be a tough game for us. At halftime we discussed something we needed to change. The rotation was very strong in the first half, but we needed to play faster. We decided to take a risk by removing Sibongiseni Mthethwa and bringing in Thabo Cele, with Mshini and Sirino in midfield. It worked because Sirino scored the goal,” he said.

Despite the breakthrough, the coaching staff wanted the team to press harder and kill the match with a second goal. “In the second half we tried to manage, but we were a little bit angry. In this kind of game you need to score the second goal to kill it. Instead, we started joking with the fans. I’m happy for them, they enjoyed it, but we must be sharper,” Youssef added.

Chiefs also highlighted the importance of a collective team effort rather than relying on individual brilliance. Youssef praised the link-up play that led to Sirino’s goal, pointing out how the overload on the right side created space for Shabalala to set up the Uruguayan forward. “It’s all about the team, not only Shabalala, Sirino, or Wandile Duba. We created overloads, played the cutback, and Sirino was free. It was an amazing goal,” he said.

The assistant coach was also encouraged by the defensive performance. Chiefs have yet to concede a goal this season, something Youssef believes is vital for their ambitions. “The most important thing for us is our defence. We can’t accept that one of the biggest teams in South Africa concedes too many goals. Today, the clean sheet was very important,” he noted.

With three wins from three matches, Kaizer Chiefs now turn their focus to a high-profile clash against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Youssef stressed the need to quickly shift attention. “Now we finish this game, and tomorrow we start thinking about Sundowns,” he said.

Chiefs fans will be pleased with the momentum, but the technical team is demanding more ruthlessness in front of goal as tougher challenges await.