Former Chiefs winger defends coach Youssef and Kaze

Kaizer Chiefs co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef. Image: X

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Joseph Molangoane has urged Amakhosi fans to be patient with co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, saying the duo needs to adapt to the players before ideas can click.

Since taking over from Nasreddine Nabi, not only have the co-coaching pair managed four victories in 13 games, but the performances have failed to inspire fans and pundits.

Molangoane believes the pair simply need time to understand South African players and adapt to the environment, just as any top coach worldwide requires adjustment periods.

The former winger, fondly known as ‘Tight’ added that training-ground form can be misleading, and the new coaches must learn the nuances of how different players perform under pressure on matchday.

MOLANGOANE: KAIZER CHIEFS HAVE ONE OF THE BEST MANAGERS IN SOUTH AFRICA

“You know, Chiefs has one of the best managers in South Africa,” Molangoane told FARPost. “They would not hire the wrong coaches. The results might not be good, but we must respect their decision. We need to give the coaches time.

Fomer Kaizer Chiefs winger Joseph Molangoane. Image: Facebook

“Even Pep Guardiola did not win the league in his first season with Manchester City FC in England. We must just give the coaches time until they get used to the country and the South African players. Playing football does not start and end on the pitch.

“Some players are superstars Monday to Friday at training, but give you nothing on Saturday. So coaches need to learn to understand their players. Some players will score four goals at training but give you nothing in the game. Chiefs fans always pack stadiums, and this makes some players come out with tails between their legs.

“There are many players in South Africa who can’t perform at training; they can be clumsy at training, but come the game, they deliver. An example I knew is Mogakolodi Ngele.

“As a coach, you will never think of selecting him at training. He falls all over the field and gives nothing in 50-50s, but come game day, ‘Tsotso’ will score goals and create assists for you. So these coaches need to learn small things like this in South Africa,” Molangoane concluded.