“The Absolute Minimum”: Ben Youssef Sends Blunt Message To Chiefs After CAF Qualification

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has pulled no punches, stating that qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup was the “absolute minimum” the club could achieve this season.

Amakhosi officially punched their ticket to next season’s continental stage following a clinical 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United on Sunday.

With a top-three finish now mathematically certain, Chiefs will compete in Africa alongside Nedbank Cup champions Durban City.

This marks the second consecutive season that the Naturena-based giants will test themselves in the CAF second-tier. While Ben Youssef celebrated the milestone, he remained realistic about the club’s stature versus their current trophy-less reality.

“I think we have said many times that the minimum we could do this season was to finish in the top three and qualify for CAF football,” said Ben Youssef.

“For one of the biggest teams in South Africa and Africa, that is the minimum we can do. At least now we have qualified for next season’s CAF competition. Congratulations to the fans, the board, the technical staff and the players.”

The co-coach was also quick to credit the support structures at the village, highlighting the unseen work of the backroom staff.

“It’s not the work of just one person, but of many people behind the scenes,” he said.

“If you look at the performances of the goalkeeper, there is work being done. If you see the fitness levels of the players and the team, it is because of the fitness coach. Congratulations as well to our analysts and everyone involved.

“As I said, the minimum we could do was ensure the team finishes in the top three.”