Ben Youssef Vows A Different Chiefs In Soweto Derby Rematch
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has warned Orlando Pirates that they will face a transformed Amakhosi side in Sunday’s Soweto Derby, insisting the “bad moment” of their previous meeting is firmly in the past.
On 28 February, at a sold-out FNB Stadium, Pirates ran out 3–0 winners, with Tshepang Moremi, Oswin Appollis, and Evidence Makgopa on the scoresheet.
It was the first time Pirates had beaten Chiefs 3–0 in a league match since 2001.
At that stage, Chiefs were going through a difficult run of form and were also dealing with several injury absentees, including captain Brandon Petersen.
However, Petersen is set to return when the two sides meet again at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Sunday, with Chiefs also enjoying improved form after winning five of their last six matches — a run that has strengthened their hold on third place.
“No one can predict the outcome of these games,” said Ben Youssef.
“Every match is different. I think the first game came at a bad time for us, as we were coming off a run of poor results.
“Now, there is a big difference between the first and second games. We have been performing very well over the last six or seven matches — five wins and one draw.”
Pirates, however, sit at the top of the Betway Premiership table and are determined to go all the way in their pursuit of a first league title since 2012.
They are unbeaten in their last eight matches, with their most recent defeat coming against Casric Stars in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final, where they lost on penalties.
Their last league defeat was against Mamelodi Sundowns — their main title rivals — at FNB Stadium in February.
“I don’t think it’s for me to comment on Orlando Pirates’ performances,” Ben Youssef added.
“Since the start of the season, they have shown strong form under coach Abdelsam Ouaddou.
“I believe our team will make fewer mistakes, and we will be ready. The key will be hunger and the desire to win this game.
“That is the reality of a match like this. To be honest, no one can predict the performance or the result.”
