Ben Youssef Reveals 5 Signings Amakhosi Must Make

Former Kaizer Chiefs co-head coach Khalil Ben Youssef believes the Soweto giants must recruit experienced, high-quality players capable of making an immediate impact if they are to close the gap on Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns next season.

The Phefeni Glamour Boys have endured a difficult decade in the PSL, having last won the league title during the 2014/15 campaign under Stuart Baxter.

Since then, Amakhosi have struggled to replicate their previous dominance and have repeatedly fallen short in their pursuit of domestic success.

Chiefs came closest to ending their league drought in the 2019/20 season, when they led the standings for much of the campaign and at one stage held an 11-point advantage at the top of the table.

However, their title hopes were dashed on the final day as Mamelodi Sundowns overtook them to secure the championship.

Since their last league triumph, the club has appointed almost 10 coaches in an attempt to restore its status as a dominant force in South African football, but consistency and silverware have remained elusive.

Ben Youssef, who worked alongside Cedric Kaze as co-head coach last season, guided Chiefs to a top-three finish before the club decided to part ways with the coaching duo at the end of the campaign.

As preparations continue for the new season, Chiefs have so far made only one signing, bringing in former Stellenbosch FC centre-back Thabiso Moloisane after he became a free agent following the expiry of his contract.

Reflecting on the club’s transfer plans before his departure, Ben Youssef revealed that a detailed assessment of the squad had already been completed.

“Yes, we had already prepared when the season ended. We compiled all the reports on the season and also prepared our recruitment plans,” he said on SNAWA.

“The team needs a left winger, a midfielder, a left-back, a goalkeeper and a centre-back. That’s five players.

“Except for the goalkeeper, who would be there to support Bruce Bvuma and Brandon Petersen, the other four positions — left winger, midfielder, centre-back and left-back — must be filled by top-quality players who are ready to play immediately.

“They must not be carrying injuries, they must not be players who are not playing regularly, and they must not come from lower divisions. They must be competing in top-flight football and be ready to perform straight away.

“If we want to win and challenge for the PSL title next season, that’s what we need. Otherwise, we will continue doing the same thing by bringing in players who may have potential but lack experience or are not yet ready.

“We then have to spend time developing them and helping them improve. That process takes time because while you are building over one or two years, teams like Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns strengthen immediately with every player they recruit.”

Ben Youssef’s comments highlight the growing urgency at Naturena as Chiefs seek to return to the summit of South African football.

With the new season fast approaching and only one signing secured so far, the club faces a crucial transfer window that could determine whether it can finally end its lengthy wait for another league title.