Chiefs coach pulls back on title talk as Soweto Derby looms

The bravado at Naturena has taken a cautious turn. After weeks of hinting that the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title might finally return to the Kaizer Chiefs trophy cabinet, co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has shifted his stance following a sobering midweek reality check.

The Tunisian mentor’s change of heart comes in the wake of a frustrating 2-1 loss to Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday night at the FNB Stadium. Despite holding an early lead, Amakhosi crumbled in the second half, allowing Langelihle Phili and Devin Titus to snatch all three points for the Cape Winelands side.

From Contenders to “Game-by-Game”

Prior to the Stellies slip-up, Ben Youssef had been vocal about dethroning Mamelodi Sundowns, even suggesting that Masandawana’s heavy CAF Champions League schedule would open the door for the chasing pack. However, standing in the bowels of FNB Stadium after the defeat, the 37-year-old was singing a different tune.

“From the beginning of the season, we have repeated the same thing: we are taking each game as a cup game,” Ben Youssef told reporters. “We didn’t say that we are competing for the title. We are fighting for every game, and at the end of the season, we will see where we find ourselves.”

While he insisted the team would still “fight” if the opportunity arose, the emphasis has clearly shifted from championship gold to internal growth and performance consistency.

The Numbers Game For Chiefs

The defeat was a costly one. As Chiefs faltered, defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns clinical victory over AmaZulu allowed the Brazilians to pull further ahead.

Chiefs currently occupy fourth place on the log. Their statistical breakdown for the season highlights a lack of consistency that often plagues title hopefuls. In 16 league games, they have managed 8 eights, 6 draws with 2 losess to their names. This equals to 30 points.

The Glamour Boys now find themselves chasing a top three composed of Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and a surging Sekhukhune United.

There is no time for Ben Youssef to dwell on the “title talk” retreat. This weekend, the FNB Stadium hosts the Soweto Derby—a clash that carries its own weight regardless of league standings.

Both giants enter the fray wounded. While Chiefs are licking their wounds from the Stellenbosch defeat, Orlando Pirates are reeling from a shock Nedbank Cup exit at the hands of Casric Stars. For Ben Youssef, the Derby isn’t just about three points; it’s about proving that the “transformation” under Nasreddine Nabi and himself hasn’t hit a permanent ceiling.

After two seasons of finishing outside the top eight, a win against the Buccaneers would do more for the fans’ spirits than any title prediction ever could.