‘Chiefs is one of the biggest teams in South Africa,’ said the Chiefs assistant coach.
There appear to be encouraging signs for Kaizer Chiefs.
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The team will put its Betway Premiership title ambitions to the test on Wednesday against Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium.
Chiefs’ defensive gains
The progress from the previous season, where Chiefs ended up in ninth place, is becoming evident.
The team’s defense is showing improvement, with Aden McCarthy providing solid support to Inacio Miguel, and new acquisition Thabiso Monyane making an impact.
Last season, Chiefs required 16 matches to achieve three clean sheets; this season, they have accomplished this in just three matches. Although there is still room for improvement in attack, Chiefs have managed to win all their opening three Premiership games.
In the last instance this was accomplished, during the 2014/15 season under Stuart Baxter, Chiefs clinched the league title. Chiefs assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef suggests this squad could achieve something similar.
“We have our (points) target in the team, it is between the players and the technical staff,” said Ben Youssef this week.
“It is written in the meeting room. We know what we have to do and we will keep it between us, and take it game by game.
“(But) Chiefs is one of the biggest teams in South Africa and if we are playing in the league we are playing to win the league.”
On the other hand, Sundowns will have their own objectives, pursuing their ninth consecutive Premiership title.
A win on Wednesday could establish a significant precedent for Chiefs. Despite their victories against Stellenbosch, Polokwane City, and Richards Bay, it is clear they will need to elevate their performance against Sundowns.
‘Still a lot to do’
“There is still a lot to do … but until now we are 60 to 70 percent happy,” said Ben Youssef.
“The new players will give more solutions to help the team. They still have something to add, to … create more situations to score.”
New arrivals include left back Nkanyiso Shinga, midfielder Ethan Chislett, and striker Fabio Da Silva, all of whom are now eligible to play.
Additionally, winger Asanele Velebayi has joined the team, along with the recent signings of striker Etiosa Ighodaro and forward Luke Baartman.
It is yet unclear how many, if any, of these six players will participate in the match against Sundowns. Head coach Nasreddine Nabi is expected to be present, though he has missed the beginning of the season due to a personal emergency involving a serious accident involving his wife.
