Chiefs co-coach Ben Youssef plays down Soweto Derby pressure

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef is keeping a level head ahead of Sunday’s sold-out Soweto Derby, insisting that the high-stakes clash against Orlando Pirates will not distract Amakhosi from their primary seasonal objectives.

The two giants of South African football head into the FNB Stadium showdown in peak form, both carrying six-game unbeaten streaks in the Betway Premiership. However, the context for each side remains vastly different. While the Buccaneers are fighting to protect their one-point lead at the summit of the Betway Premiership, Chiefs are firmly focused on consolidating their position in the top three.

Reflecting on the magnitude of the fixture, Ben Youssef was quick to strip away the emotion surrounding the rivalry.

“It’s only three points,” Ben Youssef told media on Thursday. “If we win, will they give us the title? Or give us six points that would change something? It’s a league game. Yes, it’s a derby—deciding who is the first team in Soweto—but finally, it’s three points.”

“It’s only 3 points!” – Chiefs’ Khalil Ben Youssef remains calm ahead of Derby showdown

Chiefs currently sit third on the standings with 46 points from 24 matches. After a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Pirates in the reverse fixture back in February, Sunday offers a chance for redemption, though Ben Youssef emphasises that the club’s roadmap remains unchanged regardless of the result.

The Tunisian tactician pointed out that the technical team has remained consistent with their targets, refusing to let the “derby fever” or external noise dictate their internal narrative.

“Our target is clear from the start of the season; we don’t have to change our target. You win one game, you start discussing winning the PSL; you lose one game, you start to destroy everything.”

Amakhosi have already navigated a demanding season, including a CAF campaign that ended in heartbreak via goal difference. Now, the focus is purely on domestic stability and ensuring a return to continental football.

“We said that minimum, we have to be number three in the PSL, and we are there now,” Ben Youssef added. “That’s the most important thing—to think about our performance. We don’t have to make it big or small. This game is a derby, it’s a big, very important game, a crucial game, but finally, it’s three points.”

While a victory would certainly delight the Amakhosi faithful and dent their rivals’ title hopes, Ben Youssef’s message is clear: the process outweighs the occasion.