As Kaizer Chiefs continues their pre-season preparations in the Netherlands, goalkeeper coach Ilyes Mzoughi has opened up about his tenure at the club, pinpointing what he describes as a “problem” in his approach.
Mzoughi quickly endeared himself to the Amakhosi faithful last season with his undeniable passion, charismatic personality, and animated goal celebrations. Off the pitch, he’s known for his jovial nature, consistently sporting a smile and cracking jokes.
However, when it comes to work, Mzoughi, who joined Chiefs last campaign, adopts a serious and direct approach during goalkeeper training sessions. This candidness, he admits, is his “problem.”
Mzoughi is also a relentless hard worker who calls a spade a spade on the field. The Tunisian-Frenchman’s serious demeanour in training is driven by a singular focus: continuously raising the bar for the Chiefs keepers.
The 2024/25 PSL season presented challenges for the Amakhosi shot-stoppers. Fiacre Ntwari initially started in goal, but an injury sidelined the Rwandan. Subsequently, Brandon Petersen required finger surgery, leaving Bruce Bvuma to mind the posts for the majority of the season.
Bvuma featured in 19 league matches, while Ntwari and Petersen each started in five. Notably, Chiefs clinched the Nedbank Cup this past season, with Bvuma playing a crucial role in goal for four of their cup fixtures, while Petersen started in the final match.
MZOUGHI’S DIRECTNESS: A “PROBLEM” HE EMBRACES
“This is my problem. I am very honest and direct,” Mzoughi stated in Apeldoorn, Netherlands. “However, I always say, ‘Better one word straight to the face, then ten words behind somebody’s back’.”
According to Chiefs, goalkeepers at the club now fully grasp his working methods, appearing in excellent form and high spirits.
And regarding Amakhosi’s pre-season matches against Dutch opponents, Mzoughi commented: “Our first priority is not necessarily the final score. But, of course, we are a big Club. We must defend the badge. We are here as ambassadors of South Africa.”
“After having won the Nedbank Cup, our supporters will expect more trophies. That’s also what we want.
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