Ben Youssef speaks out on the importance of Chiefs’ continental return

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has hailed his side’s “military” discipline after the Soweto giants secured back-to-back continental qualifications.

Amakhosi secured their spot in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday evening, shattering a run of frustrating draws with a dramatic 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership. Late strikes from Tashreeq Morris and Mfundo Vilakazi at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium didn’t just secure three points—they delivered on a high-stakes mandate set by the club’s board.

For a club of Chiefs’ stature, the last few years have been uncharacteristically lean. After two “miserable” seasons that saw them slump outside the top eight and miss out on MTN8 qualification, this third-place finish represents a significant step back toward the elite.

‘The Minimum We Could Do’ – Ben Youssef Reacts to Chiefs’ CAF Confed Cup Return

𝗞𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗹 𝗕𝗲𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗳 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗸𝗵𝘂𝗸𝗵𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has shared his views after defeating Sekhukhune United 2-0 in their Betway Premiership tie at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.#FARPost #BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/pYZh4U0rY7

— FARPost (@FARPostZA) May 10, 2026

Reacting to the successful qualification, Ben Youssef was quick to point out that while the result is a relief, it simply meets the basic expectations of a club with such a rich history.

“I think for a team that is one of the biggest in South Africa and Africa, this is the minimum that we can do,” Ben Youssef admitted. “At least for now, we have qualified for CAF next season. Congratulations to the fans, the board, the technical team, and the players.”

The Military Mindset

The coach credited a unified “behind-the-scenes” effort for the turnaround, comparing his squad’s readiness to that of a professional army.

“I always say to the players that you are like the military—you have to be ready for any game,” he added, praising the contributions of the fitness coaches, analysts, and medical staff. “It’s not only our work, but a lot of people behind the scenes.”

The win moves Chiefs to the 51-point mark, mathematically ending AmaZulu FC’s hopes of a top-three finish. While Usuthu can still mathematically reach 50 points, they can no longer bridge the gap to the Glamour Boys, who secured their continental status with two games to spare.

For the first time since 2020, Kaizer Chiefs will finish in the top half of the Premiership—a clear sign that the tide may finally be turning for the South African powerhouses.