The Kaizer Chiefs technical team head into this weekend’s action facing a bit of fire after their 2-1 defeat to Al Masry in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Club legend Brian Baloyi has joined the conversation with a firm message for the bosses at Naturena.
WINNING STREAK ENDED BY AL MASRY
The loss in Egypt ended a run of three straight victories for Amakhosi: the 3-1 win over AS Simba, the narrow 1-0 result over Durban City FC, and the comfortable 4-1 triumph over Orbit College FC.
The Glamour Boys looked like they were starting to find consistency, but the performance against Al Masry raised eyebrows.
Many supporters felt the co-coaches, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, missed the mark. Team selection became the main talking point, with fans frustrated to see exciting wingers Mfundo Vilakazi and Asanele Velebayi replaced by Pule Mmodi and Ashley Du Preez.
While the final scoreline was tight, the display didn’t convince anyone that Kaizer Chiefs had been beaten by a quality side. By most accounts, Al Masry were average on the night and were there for the taking.
KAIZER CHIEFS LEGEND BRIAN BALOYI QUESTIONS KHALIL BEN YOUSSEF AND CEDRIC KAZE
Before the win over Amakhosi, Al Masry had only claimed one win in three matches, where they had only managed to score twice.
Speaking after the match, the former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Brian Baloyi, questioned whether the co-coaches Youssef and Kaze are ready to steer a club of Amakhosi’s size without more senior backing at technical level.
Baloyi made his professional debut in 1993 and went on to play for Kaizer Chiefs for 11 years until his controversial departure to rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in 2004.
During his career with the Soweto giants, Baloyi lifted multiple domestic cups and one league title in the 2003/04 season.
“Honestly, the coaches are new to this level, they’ve always been assistant coaches,” Baloyi lamented on the Soccer Beat podcast after Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Al Masry in Suez. “Now they are coaching one of the biggest clubs on the continent.”
Baloyi added: “The club needs to make a quick decision. “A technical director needs to come in and help them, if they will be in charge until the end of the season.”
ZAMALEK IN POLOKWANE
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs’ CAF Confederation Cup run continues this weekend. The Glamour Boys will be home to Egyptian giants Zamalek, who are second in Group C after a 1-0 victory over Zesco United in Cairo on Sunday.
