Composed Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef radiates confidence ahead of Soweto derby rematch

A calming wave of positivity is sweeping over Kaizer Chiefs ahead of this weekend's Soweto derby, visible not only in the team's mindset but also in the composure of co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef.

Ben Youssef captured attention at the pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon ahead of the clash against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at The Venue in Johannesburg.

Breaking from the traditional club attire or suit worn by his counterpart, Pirates’ Abdeslam Ouaddou, the Tunisian coach arrived resplendent in semi-formal wear: a light-brown two-piece, a crisp white shirt, and sneakers.

His relaxed appearance mirrored the club's recent upswing in form, which has seen Chiefs hit a purple patch, securing five wins and one draw in their last six matches to occupy a crucial top-three position so far.

This stability at the club's plush Naturena base comes at an ideal time as they prepare for the biggest match in the local sporting calendar, where both three points and bragging rights are at stake. 

Compounding the pressure is the memory of the embarrassing 3-0 defeat in the reverse fixture. However, Ben Youssef insists their fortunes will be different this time, even though Pirates will be tough hosts amid their title aspirations.

“Now, there’s a big difference between the first and second derby,” Ben Youssef stated. “Every team has been performing well in the last six or seven games. We are coming from six games – five wins and one draw.

“I think it’s not for me to speak about the performance of Pirates, from the start of the season. They had a very good performance with coach Abdeslam. I think on the day of the derby, the team that makes fewer mistakes will be ready to challenge.”

Ben Youssef attributed their purple patch, which has brought a balance between good performances and results after earlier struggles, to squad consistency.

“We were unlucky that we had a lot of injuries. The difficult thing for a job is that when you have injuries, you have to make substitutions and you don’t have consistency,” he explained.

“Now in the last five or six games, it’s been relatively the same squad. When the consistency is there, the performance and the results are there. Unfortunately, we missed a lot of chances and points. The performance was good, but we didn’t score. But we found balance in the last two games.

“We’ve got the energy, and the vibe. All the players are ready and fit; they are sending a strong message that they are ready – mentally, fitness and training wise in the last three weeks. We are ready to win this game, Inshallah.”

The team’s improved form has even swayed former critics, including former coach Muhsin Ertugral, who previously questioned the coaching duo but has now backed Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze to continue beyond the current term.

“I have to thank him, and everyone who has given us the trust to continue to lead the team,” Ben Youssef responded to the public support. “It was not easy to be given this opportunity. We have been getting a lot of criticism, but for us is to continue to work.

“We are professional coaches. We want to continue with our work until the end of the season, and then the board will decide (whether we stay or go).”

Buoyed by fan support, the co-coach revealed they are determined to repay the faith shown in them by securing a derby win – a feat Chiefs have not achieved in five successive league matches.

“We don’t have fans, but family,” Ben Youssef said. “So, it’s for us to go out there, and give back to them. We need to keep fighting.”