Kaizer Chiefs secured a crucial 2-0 win at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium to officially seal third place in the Betway Premiership standings.
The result also confirmed the club’s return to CAF interclub football next season through qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup.
BEN YOUSSEF EXPLAINS KAIZER CHIEFS ABSENTEES
Moments before kick off, supporters quickly noticed the absence of players such as Lebohang Maboe and Wandile Duba from the squad. Mduduzi Shabalala and Siphesihle Ndlovu were also missing from the team sheet.
After the match, Ben Youssef clarified that Maboe was rested due to physical fatigue following a demanding schedule in recent weeks.
“For Maboe, like I said, it was fatigue after the last game. We decided with the medical staff and with him to give him a rest in this game,” said Ben Youssef.
Also read: Final league match: Sundowns’ expected starting 11 vs TS Galaxy
The Tunisian coach also confirmed that Duba and Shabalala are still recovering from injuries. He also confirmed Ndlovu missed the encounter because of suspension.
“Ndlovu, the problem is that he had four yellow cards. Duba is still injured, Shabalala is injured.”
Kaizer Chiefs have dealt with several fitness concerns during the closing stages of the campaign. It forced the technical team to carefully manage certain players ahead of key matches.
ROTATION HELPS AMAKHOSI FINISH STRONG
Ben Youssef admitted that rotation has become necessary despite the coaching staff wanting consistency within the starting line-up.
“We try to keep consistency in the team. But sometimes there is a risk of injury. So, we should make rotation,” Ben Yousseff added.
Kaizer Chiefs still managed to produce a disciplined performance despite the missing players, with squad depth once again becoming important during the run-in.
The coach praised the attitude inside the dressing room. He suggested that every player responded positively whenever called upon this season.
“Like I said, a lot of times we discuss about the team or the player. We show that any player you ask him to come, he is ready to fight for the badge, for the team and for the fans,” he added.
The victory continued a strong finish to the campaign for Amakhosi, who have shown improved consistency in recent weeks after an up-and-down season.
Returning to CAF competition is also expected to increase pressure on the club to strengthen the squad during the next transfer window.
