Chiefs need fans more when chips are down, says Ben Youssef
Assistant coach says he hopes the supporters forgive team for losing against Arrows
20 January 2025 - 18:49
bySIHLE NDEBELE
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Mfundo Vilakazi celebrates scoring Kaizer Chiefs’ winner in their Betway Premiership clash against Sekhukhune United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Sunday. Picture: DARREN STEWART/GALLO IMAGES
Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef has reminded their supporters that the club needs them more in difficult moments than in good moments.
Amakhosi head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who was suspended with a red card from Chiefs’ Premiership defeat to Lamontville Golden Arrows at the Moses Mabhida Stadium two weekends ago, was not on the bench on Sunday as they bounced back with a 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United at the same venue.
Mfundo Vilakazi, 19, came off the bench for Tebogo Potsane in the 59th minute to score the winner 27 minutes later.
Sekhukhune were reduced to 10 men when Vuyo Letlapa was sent off for a challenge on Vilakazi in the 84th minute.
“Congratulations to our fans. I hope they forgive us for losing the last game [against Arrows],” Ben Youssef said, praising the atmosphere as battling Amakhosi registered a much-needed win to move to sixth place against in-form Sekhukhune.
“They [the fans] have to know we need them more when we are in critical situations than when we are in good situations.
“They have to be sure that we are in the right direction, but we just need patience.”
Ben Youssef also lauded the performance of Chiefs’ youngsters against Sekhukhune.
Wandile Duba, 20, alongside 23-year-old Samkelo Zwane, who went on to win the man of the match award, started the game.
“To be honest with you, our young players performed very well.
“The problem with our young players is 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 in the first round of the Nedbank Cup at the FNB Stadium on Sunday].”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Chiefs need fans more when chips are down, says Ben Youssef
Assistant coach says he hopes the supporters forgive team for losing against Arrows
Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef has reminded their supporters that the club needs them more in difficult moments than in good moments.
Amakhosi head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who was suspended with a red card from Chiefs’ Premiership defeat to Lamontville Golden Arrows at the Moses Mabhida Stadium two weekends ago, was not on the bench on Sunday as they bounced back with a 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United at the same venue.
Mfundo Vilakazi, 19, came off the bench for Tebogo Potsane in the 59th minute to score the winner 27 minutes later.
Sekhukhune were reduced to 10 men when Vuyo Letlapa was sent off for a challenge on Vilakazi in the 84th minute.
“Congratulations to our fans. I hope they forgive us for losing the last game [against Arrows],” Ben Youssef said, praising the atmosphere as battling Amakhosi registered a much-needed win to move to sixth place against in-form Sekhukhune.
“They [the fans] have to know we need them more when we are in critical situations than when we are in good situations.
“They have to be sure that we are in the right direction, but we just need patience.”
Ben Youssef also lauded the performance of Chiefs’ youngsters against Sekhukhune.
Wandile Duba, 20, alongside 23-year-old Samkelo Zwane, who went on to win the man of the match award, started the game.
“To be honest with you, our young players performed very well.
“The problem with our young players is 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 in the first round of the Nedbank Cup at the FNB Stadium on Sunday].”
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