Kaizer Chiefs secured third place in the Betway Premiership after beating Sekhukhune United 2-0 at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The result guaranteed Amakhosi continental football next season with two matches still left in the campaign.
BEN YOUSSEF SAYS CAF RETURN IS THE MINIMUM FOR KAIZER CHIEFS
For a club that failed to finish inside the top eight last season, the mood around Naturena has changed dramatically. Kaizer Chiefs looked more stable defensively, while several younger players have stepped up.
The Tunisian mentor admitted there was relief inside the camp after finally securing a top-three finish, especially considering the pressure that comes with coaching one of the biggest clubs in African football.
“I think a lot of times we said that the minimum that we can do this season is to be in the top three, to play again in the CAF Confederation Cup,” Ben Youssef said. “For one of the biggest teams in South Africa and in Africa, it’s the minimum that we can do.
“At least now we are already qualified for the next season of the Confederation Cup. Congratulations to the fans, congratulations to the board, congratulations to the technical staff and the players. It’s not only our efforts, but the work of a lot of people behind the scenes.
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The Kaizer Chiefs mentor also praised the mentality shown by the squad during the second half of the season, with several fringe players stepping up whenever called upon.
PRAISES FOR THE ENTIRE TECHNICAL TEAM
Ben Youssef explained that the improvement at tghe club was not only about the players on the field, but also the contribution made by staff members behind the scenes.
“If you see the performance of the keeper, the resilience of the team, if you see the fitness of the team and the players coming from out of the squad, and every time I said to them, ‘You are like a military, so you have to be ready in the game.’
“There is staff behind the fitness coach. Our analyst, our doctor, I had to say congratulations to everybody. Like I said, it’s the minimum that we can do for the team…” Ben Youssef concluded.
