Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Khalil Ben Youssef has opened up about the challenges he faced during his time at Naturena, insisting that expectations at the club were often disconnected from the reality of the squad at his disposal.
Speaking about the pressure to secure CAF Champions League qualification, Ben Youssef suggested that some within the club struggled to balance ambition with realism.
“Some people at Kaizer Chiefs had a problem between being realistic and ambition. We have the ambition to win everything, but we also have to be realistic,” he said.
The Tunisian tactician believes the squad he worked with during the 2025/26 season was simply not equipped to compete with the country’s top two sides.
“The squad that we had during last season, the maximum they could reach was the top four. If you compare the quality between us, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, there is a huge gap,” he explained.
Ben Youssef pointed to Sundowns’ ability to strengthen immediately when weaknesses are identified, highlighting the signing of striker Leon as an example.
“When Sundowns had a problem and needed a striker, they immediately put the money on the table and brought Leon for a huge amount. He arrived and three days later he played against Pirates and scored two goals.”
He added that the Brazilians’ recruitment strategy allows them to invest in both established stars and long-term projects.
The former Chiefs mentor also reserved praise for Orlando Pirates, claiming the Buccaneers currently boast the strongest collection of talent in the Premier Soccer League.
“The best players in the PSL, you will find them at Pirates,” he said.
Ben Youssef’s comments are likely to spark debate among supporters, particularly given Chiefs’ ongoing efforts to close the gap on their fiercest rivals and return to competing consistently for major honours.
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