Ben Youssef Hails Attacking Depth Ahead Of Soweto Derby

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has identified his team’s attacking depth as a cornerstone of their recent success.

Chiefs have shown notable improvement in attack in recent weeks, with a range of players contributing goals rather than relying on a single source.

In their last six matches, Wandile Duba, Flavio Da Silva, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Mduduzi Shabalala, and Mfundo Vilakazi have all found the back of the net, helping the team score two or more goals with greater consistency.

This marks a clear shift from the start of the season, when Amakhosi often secured narrow 1–0 wins, played out goalless draws, or suffered defeats.

This improved attacking depth has lifted Chiefs to third place in the Betway Premiership standings, with 46 points from 24 matches, ahead of their highly anticipated derby against Orlando Pirates at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Sunday.

“I think it is a good habit that we have. Sometimes it is better to have players to choose from than not having options, and it is encouraging to see our attacking players performing like this,” he said.

“If you look at how many goals we have scored as a team, it has been (Mduduzi) Shabalala, (Glody) Lilepo, (Flavio) Da Silva, (Wandile) Duba—everyone is contributing and performing well.

“We are not a team that depends on one or two players; if they are unavailable, the team does not struggle.”

As Amakhosi prepare to face the Buccaneers, Ben Youssef also addressed whether his side can control the game, stressing that control depends on key moments and tactical discipline, both in and out of possession.

“Trust me, no one can simply decide to control this game—the game itself will dictate that,” he added.

“In football, you must know what to do both with and without the ball. No coach can fully dictate what a player does in possession. Even if we control parts of the game, there will be moments when they control it, and we must defend well.

“When you are in control, you need to keep the ball effectively. When you are not, you must defend with discipline. It is not as simple as saying, ‘We will control the game’—it depends on the moment. If the opponent is in control, we must regroup quickly.

“We prepare for every scenario, focusing on what to do in and out of possession. That is the most important thing for us, and we need to perform well on Sunday.”

With confidence growing and multiple attacking options delivering, Chiefs will aim to carry their momentum into one of the biggest fixtures on the South African football calendar.