Kaizer Chiefs staying grounded despite impacting Betway Premiership title battle

Kaizer Chiefs are unfazed by their recent influence in the Betway Premiership title race, with co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef insisting they will continue working hard and focusing on themselves.

Chiefs have enjoyed a strong run of form in the league, winning five matches, drawing two and losing one as they push to secure a top-three finish.

The two draws may not have yielded maximum points, but they were significant results against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns during the title run-in.

Chiefs’ draw with Sundowns on Wednesday night not only helped consolidate their third-place position on the log, but also indirectly swung the title advantage towards Pirates, who could finish top if they win their remaining three matches convincingly.

Given that many had written them off against both Pirates and Sundowns this season, Amakhosi’s resilience in those encounters has earned praise from supporters. However, Ben Youssef remains focused on the bigger picture.

“We always think about ourselves and our performances. In every training session and meeting, we say the same thing,” Ben Youssef said.

“I am sure that if the team performs very well, no one can stop us in the league. The process and performances are there.

“There’s a big difference between this season and the previous seasons – the results are there. I think we will continue to improve.”

Chiefs face Sekhukhune United away on Sunday, AmaZulu away next Saturday in the penultimate match of the season, and Chippa United at home on May 23 in their final fixture.

As a result, Ben Youssef insists there can be no complacency.

“We still have three games to play. We have to continue fighting to collect maximum points and finish in the best possible position,” he added.

While Chiefs are aiming for their best league finish since ending runners-up in the 2019/20 season, they know they must remain solid defensively and more clinical in attack.

Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has been a key figure during the team’s improved form, producing crucial saves in recent matches. However, the attack has struggled for fluency, scoring only two goals in the last four games.

Chiefs also failed to capitalise fully against Sundowns after Jayden Adams was sent off in Hatfield. Ben Youssef believes composure in the final third is vital.

“We have to continue working. We need to remain calm and more focused in the final third. Then we will be able to convert those kinds of opportunities,” he explained.

Chiefs’ recent form has also sparked calls for Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos to consider more Amakhosi players for the national team, particularly Petersen and right-back Thabiso Monyane.

Ben Youssef believes several Chiefs players deserve recognition.

“The most important thing for us is to have at least three or four players in the Bafana Bafana squad when the list comes out,” he said.

“Not because I am a Kaizer Chiefs coach, but because some of our players deserve a place in Bafana based on the performances and consistency they are showing.”

Broos previously overlooked Chiefs players, citing the club’s inconsistent performances and league position. Ben Youssef now believes the situation has changed.

“I think in one of his press conferences, the coach (Broos) explained that he selected players from Sekhukhune because they were in third position. But now we are there,” Ben Youssef said.

“The consistency is there now, and everyone is discussing what our players still need to do to become part of Bafana.”