Chiefs coach Ben Youssef cries foul over ‘unfair’ fixture pile-up

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has issued a scathing critique of the PSL, accusing the league of failing to support South African clubs representing the country on the continental stage.

Speaking deep in the bowels of the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Ben Youssef accused the league of failing to support South African clubs competing on the continent, citing a “blatant lack of consideration” for those flying the Mzansi flag.

While the win catapulted Amakhosi to the summit of Group D—leaving them just one point away from securing a knockout spot—the Tunisian tactician warned that the gruelling “fly-in, fly-out” schedule is pushing his squad to a breaking point.

Chiefs Coach Speaks On Training Ground ‘Shut Down’

According to Transfermarkt statistics, Chiefs have already juggled over 25 games across all competitions this season. However, Ben Youssef’s primary grievance isn’t just physical fatigue; it’s the total erasure of tactical preparation.

“We are in a situation where we are flying back today and flying out tomorrow for another match,” a frustrated Ben Youssef lamented. “We don’t have time to prepare for games or training sessions. Our players have now gone two to three weeks without any training.”

He explained the relentless cycle: “You play a game today and rest; tomorrow is recovery, and on matchday minus one, you cannot do anything. It’s a reality, not an excuse.”

Defensive Crisis Looms At Chiefs

The heavy workload has already claimed casualties. Key defender Inacio Miguel has been sidelined due to the physical strain of the fixture pile-up. His absence leaves Amakhosi in a precarious position ahead of their high-stakes trip to Egypt to face Zamalek SC, with Zitha Kwinika and Given Msimango as the only fit centre-backs remaining.

Ben Youssef pointed to a perceived double standard in how the league manages postponements, hinting at rivals who have played fewer games despite not having continental commitments.

“I remember last season, many teams playing in the CAF Champions League had their fixtures changed to accommodate them. Now, we are representing South Africa, and we have played 15 [league] games while another team—I don’t want to mention names—has played 13 and they are not playing anything [in Africa].”

The co-coach concluded with a direct challenge to the PSL authorities: “In all the countries I have worked in, when you play CAF games, it is allowed for you to change the fixtures. If you want to improve and see us win, you have to help us.”

Chiefs now face the ultimate test of their depth as they prepare to travel to Cairo, knowing that their continental dreams—and the physical health of their squad—hang in the balance.