Unbeaten Kaizer Chiefs face first major challenge as Mamelodi Sundowns test looms

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef says it will be important for his side to carry momentum from their flying start to the season as they prepare to face what will be their biggest challenge of the campaign against Mamelodi Sundowns next week.

Amakhosi are one of two unbeaten sides in the league after three matches, having bounced back from last season’s turbulence in fine style with three wins from three games. With the MTN8 taking centre stage this weekend, their next league outing against the defending champions at the FNB Stadium will provide a real test of their early form.

Chiefs are expected to have head coach Nasreddine Nabi back on the bench after he missed the club’s first three matches while in Tunisia attending to his wife, who was reported to have been involved in a serious car accident.

It will be a testing first fixture for the Tunisian, who has remained part of the team’s plans from afar. After being dominated by the Chloorkop-based outfit last season with three losses in all competitions, their 2-1 Nedbank Cup semi-final win is their only encouragement heading into this contest.

Chiefs’ strong start to the season also makes this perhaps the best time to face a team that has set the standard in the league for close to a decade. It will be a match that could expose much: have Chiefs really improved, or is this just new-season energy?

For assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef, the focus is clear — hold onto the momentum and turn a bright start into something lasting.

“It’s very important for us and the players to have more confidence," said Ben Youssef.

“There is still a lot to do in this team but for now I can say that we are 60% to 70% pleased with the performance. There are a lot of things we need to continue doing and, with the new players, they will give us more solutions to help the team.

“Defensively we have performed very well, but we still have some things to do offensively to create more opportunities to score.”

Ben Youssef was also pleased that the squad will be joined by new recruits Asanele Velebayi, Luke Baartman and Etiosa Ighodaro, who will all give them more options going forward once given a chance.

The assistant coach welcomed the additions but warned that they will have to fight hard for selection, with competition for places very tight.

“We have seen the quality of these players and we need them to help us this season," said Ben Youssef.

“They have come to the team to fight for positions, and positions at Kaizer Chiefs are very tough. The mentality they need to have is one of fighting to get their positions in the team. We have players who have done well for the team, and they need to fight to take their positions.”

Ben Youssef also offered an update on other new signings who are yet to feature since joining Amakhosi earlier in the transfer window, with paperwork delays holding back Nkanyiso Shinga, Ethan Chislett and Flavio Silva.

“Shinga is ready; he received his clearance to play but still has some fitness work to do with our fitness coach.

“Silva also got his clearance the day before the game, but it was already too late as decisions had been made on the match against Richards Bay. Ethan was sick last week and did not make any training sessions, but he is ready to play.”

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