Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has opened up about the "unnoticed" injury crisis that has plagued Amakhosi this season. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef believes his side’s injury struggles have gone largely unnoticed this season, despite the significant impact they have had on performances and consistency.
Amakhosi underlined their resilience on Monday afternoon, coming from behind to defeat Orbit College 3-1 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The victory marked a third consecutive league win and lifted Chiefs into a CAF Confederation Cup position on the Betway Premiership standings.
However, behind the recent resurgence lies what Youssef describes as an overlooked challenge — a relentless injury list that has disrupted rhythm and selection throughout the campaign. At various stages of the season, Chiefs have been without key figures including Khanyisa Mayo, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Etiosa Ighodaro and most recently captain Brandon Peterson, all of whom have faced extended spells on the sidelines.
Speaking after the win over Orbit, Youssef pointed to the nature of those injuries as a major concern.
“Eighty-percent of the injuries we’ve had this season have been caused by contact in the game so we have been unlucky, every game we lose one or two players,” he said.
The co-coach also highlighted the increased physical demands placed on the squad, particularly with Chiefs competing across multiple fronts — a shift from previous seasons.
“Also competing in all of these competitions, in the last few years we weren’t competing in Africa and the competitions in South Africa.”
That added workload, combined with an already stretched squad, has contributed to the inconsistency that has often defined Chiefs’ campaign. Yet, according to Youssef, context is key when assessing performances.
“I’ve seen people discuss the inconsistency in our squad but even today,” he continued, before pointing to the number of enforced changes that have disrupted continuity.
Despite those challenges, Chiefs have shown signs of stability in recent weeks. The emergence of younger players, alongside the return of key personnel, has helped the team find rhythm at a crucial stage of the season.
Their comeback win over Orbit once again reflected that growing cohesion, with the side showing both character and adaptability to overturn a first-half deficit. The Tunisian-born mentor also shed light on the progress of Petersen.
“Petersen, he was with the physio,” said Youssef.
“We have to say thank you to the medical staff for preparing him. And last weeks he was with the coaches, he’s working and I think soon he’ll be back with the team.”
Importantly, the current run of results has reignited their push for continental qualification, with a top-three finish now firmly within reach.
Youssef’s comments, however, serve as a reminder that Chiefs’ progress has not come under ideal circumstances. Instead, it has been shaped by a squad forced to constantly adjust, rotate and respond to setbacks.
As the season enters its decisive phase, managing those physical demands will remain critical. But if recent performances are anything to go by, Chiefs are beginning to strike the right balance — navigating adversity while building momentum at exactly the right time.
The Amakhosi will look to extend their unbeaten run when they host 11th-placed TS Galaxy on Sunday. The Rockets, meanwhile, will be flying high after progressing to the Nedbank Cup final this past weekend but their momentum could be stifled on Wednesday when they host Polokwane City (kick-off 7.30pm) in a Betway Premiership clash.