Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has heaped praise on
Portuguese striker Flavio Silva after his match-winning contribution off the
bench secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Durban City at the Moses
Mabhida Stadium.
Silva emerged as the hero for Amakhosi, netting the decisive goal to seal a
crucial three points and maintain the team’s positive early-season momentum.
This marks his second decisive goal in Durban this season, having also found
the net against Golden Arrows earlier in the campaign.
“For us, we need him to score, he is a striker,” Ben Youssef stated
emphatically after the final whistle. “I’m so happy for Silva. The most
important thing in a striker’s life is scoring goals.”
The co-coach acknowledged the intense competition for the starting role,
naming Silva, Wandile Duba, Ashley Du Preez, Tashreeq Morris, and Etiosa
Igodaro as all vying for a single position.
Ben Youssef also revealed that the 24-year-old has battled minor setbacks
since his first goal, which have limited his availability. “After the Golden
Arrows game, he got a short injury so he was out. Now he’s back with us,” he
explained, noting that even a recent headache ruled Silva out of a CAF
Confederation Cup match.
“Now he’s back. He will start step by step,” the coach added, emphasizing
that regardless of whether Silva is in the starting lineup, his ultimate
value is clear: “The most important thing is his goal.”
