With Kaizer Chiefs confirming Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze as
interim coaches until the season’s end, the focus shifts to the immense task
ahead of them. Taking over from the trophy-winning Nasreddine Nabi, the new
technical team faces immediate challenges as domestic football resumes.
PSLSA examines the five key areas demanding their attention:
1. Shoring Up a Leaky Defence
A promising start with five consecutive clean sheets has given way to a
worrying trend of conceding goals. The injury to in-form right-back Thabiso
Monyane was a significant setback, exposing defensive frailties. Ben Youssef
and Kaze’s most urgent task is to rebuild a solid defensive unit and
rediscover that early-season resilience.
2. Meeting the Silverware Demand
Last season’s Nedbank Cup victory ended a painful nine-year trophy drought,
but it has only heightened expectations. The Amakhosi faithful are hungry
for more and will not tolerate another long wait. With three trophies still
up for grabs this season, the pressure is on the coaches to immediately
continue the winning habit and deliver more silverware.
3. Getting New Signings to Fire
The club invested in the transfer market to build a competitive squad, but
the return on that investment has been mixed. While Thabiso Monyane
impressed before his injury, other new arrivals are still settling in. Key
signings like Lebohang Maboe and Etiosa Ighodaro are yet to make their
official debuts, putting the onus on the coaches to integrate them
effectively and unlock their potential.
4. The Vilakazi Dilemma
The rise of young star Mfundo Vilakazi is a hot topic among the Chiefs
support. His stellar performances for South Africa’s U-20 team at the FIFA
World Cup have fans demanding a more prominent role for him at club level.
Currently used mainly as a substitute, Vilakazi thrived as a starting number
10 for Amajita. The technical team now faces growing pressure to grant the
talented youngster more minutes in his preferred role.
5. Misfiring Attack
Chiefs’ struggles are most apparent in the final third, where their
attackers are currently lacking form and confidence. Recent missed penalties
by Glody Lilepo and Gaston Sirino highlight the team’s inefficiency in front
of goal. Fixing this blunt attack and creating a potent offensive threat
will be crucial for Youssef and Kaze to turn the team’s fortunes around.