Ben Youssef Reacts To Amakhosi’s Role In Title Race

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has weighed in on whether Amakhosi’s recent draws against Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have influenced the Betway Premiership title race.

Chiefs held Sundowns to a 1-1 draw at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday, having also shared the spoils in a 1-1 stalemate against Pirates last month.

Those results came at a crucial stage of the season, with Sundowns still leading the standings on 65 points with two matches remaining, while Pirates sit second on 62 points with three games left and a superior goal difference.

However, the title race remains firmly in Pirates’ hands, as winning all of their remaining fixtures would see them crowned league champions.

When asked whether Chiefs had affected the championship battle between the country’s top two sides, Ben Youssef stressed that his focus remains solely on Amakhosi’s performances rather than the fortunes of rival teams.

“As I said, we only care about our performance, not other teams, and every time at training we say the same thing,” said Ben Youssef.

“I think if the team performs very well, then nothing can stop us in the league, and the process as well as the performances are there.

“I think there is a big difference this season compared to last season. The results are there and, step by step, we will continue to work.

“We still have three games left, and we have to continue fighting so that we can collect maximum points and finish in the best possible position.”

The former AS FAR assistant coach also turned his attention to the national team, insisting that Chiefs deserve to have at least three players included in the Bafana Bafana squad as qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues.

“From our side, as I said, the most important thing for us is to have at least three players playing for Bafana Bafana,” he added.

“I’m not saying this because I’m a Kaizer Chiefs coach, but some of our players deserve a chance based on the performances they are producing.

“I remember the last time the Bafana coach said he was considering selecting some Sekhukhune players because they were number three on the table. Now we are third, the performances are there, everybody is talking about our players, and they deserve to be there.”

Chiefs return to action on Sunday when they face Sekhukhune United, with several players hoping to further strengthen their claims for national team selection.