Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has changed his tune on the club’s chances of clinching the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title as the race for the crown enters a critical phase.
Following a sobering 2-1 defeat to Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium on Tuesday, Tunisian mentor Khalil Ben Youssef has moved to temper expectations at Naturena.
Amakhosi surrendered an early lead as Stellies staged a second-half comeback, with clinical strikes from Langelihle Phili and Devin Titus ensuring the visitors walked away with maximum points. The result was a big blow to Chiefs’ title aspirations, especially as log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns capitalised on the slip-up by brushing aside AmaZulu FC on the same Tuesday night in Durban.
The Brazilians now sit at the summit with 38 points from 17 matches. On the the other hand, Chiefs currently occupy fourth place with 30 points after 16 games with eight wins, six draws and two defeats. They trail behind Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and a surging Sekhukhune United.
The shift in rhetoric is notable; prior to the midweek stumble, Ben Youssef had boldly insinuated that his side was capable of dethroning Sundowns and ending a league trophy drought that stretches back to 2015. He had previously suggested that Masandawana’s heavy CAF Champions League schedule could provide a window of opportunity for the chasing pack—an advantage that now seems to be slipping through Amakhosi’s fingers.
‘WE ARE NOT IN TITLE RACE’: CHIEFS CO-COACH BEN YOUSSEF
While the Soweto giants previously looked like a side equipped to challenge Sundowns’ dominance, the midweek setback has prompted Ben Youssef to retreat to the familiar “game-by-game” mantra.
Speaking in the bowels of the FNB Stadium following the defeat to Stellenbosch, a visibly annoyed and dejected Ben Youssef emphasised that Amakhosi are not currently in the title conversation.
“From the [first] game of the season, we are repeating the same thing; we are taking each game as a cup game. We are managing it game by game, and we didn’t say that we are competing for the PSL [title],” Ben Youssef said.
“We are fighting for every game and trying to win every game. At the end of the season, we’ll see what position we find ourselves in. I think we have to continue to work; if we get an opportunity to fight and win the PSL, we’ll do. The most important thing is the performance of the team and continuing to fight to win games.”
The Glamour Boys will switch their focus to the highly-anticipated Soweto Derby clash against arch rivals Pirates this coming weekend at FNB Stadium. Chiefs are eager to return to winning ways after losing to Stellies, while the Buccaneers are also coming from a disappointing elimination from the Nedbank Cup Last 16 at the hands of Motsepe Foundation Championship side Casric Stars.
On a more encouraging note, Amakhosi appear set to secure a respectable league finish—a massive step forward after the disappointment of the previous two campaigns, where they languished outside the top eight and failed to qualify for the MTN8.
RELATED STORY: Orbit coach Makhoye changes his tune on Saleng