It is well documented that Kaizer Chiefs’ new coaching staff – led by Nasreddine Nabi – haven’t had the ideal start at the club, owing to various issues.
And these include – but not limited to – having to build the team first before they can challenge for trophies such as the Premiership.
Add to the fact that they feel they don’t have the right personnel who’ll execute their vision, having failed to get most of the players they’d like at their disposal.
But be that as it may, Chiefs’ technical team must be wary of discrediting the players they have right now as that could backfire badly.
Assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef, who’s been standing in for the suspended Nabi in the past two weeks, went on a tirade during a press conference on Thursday.
Speaking ahead of his team’s clash with amateur side Free Agents in the Nedbank Cup last 32 at FNB Stadium tomorrow afternoon, Ben Youseff claimed:
“There are some players who are smart, and you don't have to repeat things too many times to them.
“There are other players who you must repeat things a lot of times because they don’t have the experience and background in tactics.
“We try to make individual meetings to explain to them how they must play. Some players were in the development and played without tactics.”
"We are looking forward to a competitive match this Sunday! We've put in the prep and know our opponents are ready too. Glory in this cup could lead us to participation in the continental competition, so we will give it our all,”- Coach Khalil Ben Youssef#NedbankCup #AlwaysHome pic.twitter.com/GPzxuRf6Ya
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) January 23, 2025
You see, there’s nothing wrong with Ben Youssef being candid, and not sounding like a broken record, but he should try and protect his players especially in the media.
Already several Chiefs players are getting a hammering for the transgression of their respective careers since joining the club.
And while they’ll need to take a fair share of the blame for that, it cannot be ignored that Chiefs haven’t been stable for the past 10 years. Hence, the barren run.
Coaches have come and gone at the club without winning trophies. A feat that was also caused by losing the dressing room, thanks to poor coaching strategies or communication with the players.
You see, there’s still a long way to go into the season. And Chiefs can overturn their fortunes by winning the Nedbank Cup or finishing stronger in the Betway Premiership or achieving both feats.
And for that to happen, the coaches need a quieter dressing, especially if the club isn’t going to break the bank and sign players they need this summer.
Tashreeq Morris is said to be the team’s new signing in January, while Christian Saile will go in the opposite direction to join SuperSport United.
But the Capetonian doesn’t look like he’ll be well received by the fans especially after a group of naysayers lamented his imminent move to the club on social media.
And that could prove to be detrimental for his adaptation.
The technical team also cannot afford to fight their battles with the management, who hold the cheque, by throwing players under the bus.
They should have the right approach in discussing personal shortcomings. Or else, they run the risk of losing the dressing room and the bit they can still salvage from the season.