Khalil Ben Youssef issues sincere apology to Chiefs supporters

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has issued a sincere apology to the Amakhosi faithful following a damaging 2-1 defeat to Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night.

The loss serves as a massive blow to Chiefs’ title aspirations, leaving the Soweto giants eight points adrift of log-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns (38 points). Despite the setback, Chiefs remain in fourth place with 30 points from 16 matches, though their margin for error has now evaporated ahead of this weekend’s Soweto Derby.

“WE LET THE FANS DOWN”

Khalid Ben Youssef cuts a dejected figure post-match: “We are so sorry for this result.”
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Kaizer Chiefs 1-2 Stellenbosch FC.

A night that started with hope ends in heartbreak at FNB Stadium. #BetwayPrem #KaizerChiefs #Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/sBfATrtAhR

— Pan-Africa Football (@PanAfricaFooty) February 24, 2026

The Glamour Boys started the encounter with aggressive intent, dominating the opening exchanges and carving out numerous opportunities. Their persistence seemingly paid off in the 36th minute when Flavio Silva broke the deadlock. However, the first half was also characterised by a lack of clinical finishing—a recurring theme that would eventually haunt the hosts.

The momentum shifted dramatically after the interval. Stellenbosch, who have now defeated Chiefs three times across all competitions this season, clawed their way back through second-half strikes from Langelihle Phili and Devin Titus.

Chiefs Coach Ben Youssef Pleads for Forgiveness After Stellies Setback

Reflecting on the collapse, a sombre Ben Youssef admitted that his side failed to sustain their first-half standard.

“Firstly, I would like to apologise to our fans; we are so sorry for this result. I think we dominated the first half and were the better team,” Ben Youssef conceded. “We created many opportunities, but we have to repeat what we always say: when you are better than the opponent, and you get the chance, you have to score.”

The coach noted that the early concession in the second half destabilised his tactical plan.

“We started the second half very poorly and conceded within five minutes. We tried to add value through substitutions, but Stellenbosch was better than us in the second half. They deserved to win.”

With Chiefs already eliminated from the Nedbank Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup, the league remains their final path to silverware. However, there is no time for the Naturena-based side to lick their wounds.

“Now we don’t have much time to discuss. In three days, we have another important game. We have to continue working and prepare,” Ben Youssef added.

The focus now shifts to Saturday’s blockbuster Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates. With both bragging rights and league positioning on the line, the clash at FNB Stadium offers Chiefs the ultimate opportunity for redemption.