“A Shame For Football” – Ben Youssef Blasts Pirates’ Pre-Match Tactics
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has issued a stern warning to Orlando Pirates, stating that if the Buccaneers intend to win the league, they must do so fairly on the pitch rather than resorting to unsporting conduct.
Tensions flared even before kickoff between Chiefs and Pirates, with chaotic scenes disrupting preparations at FNB Stadium on Sunday, before the teams played out a 1–1 draw.
Pirates crossed into Chiefs’ half while Amakhosi were warming up, forcing Chiefs players to leave the pitch as the Buccaneers continued their routine. The situation escalated to the point where police had to intervene, ultimately delaying the match by 45 minutes, with kickoff pushed from 15:00 to 15:45.
The incident has cast a shadow over Pirates’ title push. The Buccaneers remain top of the table with 59 points despite dropping points in the derby, while Mamelodi Sundowns also stumbled against Richards Bay on the same day.
Chiefs, meanwhile, sit third with 47 points as they continue their pursuit of a CAF Confederation Cup spot.
Reacting after the match, the Tunisian mentor did not hold back in condemning what he described as unacceptable behaviour:
“Before I start discussing the game, I have to send a small message,” he said.
“I am not from South Africa, but I know how many people watched the game and how many calls I received from people asking where they could watch it. What happened before the game is something we cannot accept.
“We are sending a bad image of ourselves. People are waiting to see football, but what we saw before the game is unacceptable. If you want to win the league and beat teams, you have to do it by playing football—not like that. It is about safety.
“I emphasise safety because people came into our half to confront our players. This kind of behaviour is a shame, and we cannot accept it. As I said, if you want to win the league, you must deserve it—but you cannot win it like that.”
Ben Youssef also revealed how his technical team handled the situation in the dressing room, choosing calmness over confrontation:
“Fortunately, we didn’t say anything to them because in this kind of game, you don’t need to motivate players. If you’re not motivated, then what are you doing in football?” he added.
“In this situation, you just have to keep them calm and focused because the motivation is already within them.
“Before the game, I said in the press conference that the players were fit and motivated to win, not to play for a draw.”
Amakhosi will now shift their attention to their next league encounter against Siwelele at Dr Molemela Stadium on Wednesday, aiming to extend their unbeaten run to eight matches.
