Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef is making a loud case for his players to return to the Bafana Bafana setup. With Brandon Petersen reaching 13 clean sheets and the likes of Bradley Cross and Lebohang Maboe, pictured, finding top gear, Youssef believes Hugo Broos can no longer ignore the Amakhosi stars. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Khalil Ben Youssef has thrown his support behind a group of Kaizer Chiefs players, insisting their recent performances warrant serious consideration for Bafana Bafana selection ahead of the FIFA World Cup in North America later this year.
The Amakhosi mentor’s remarks come at a time when national team debates are intensifying, with form players across the Betway Premiership pushing for inclusion as Hugo Broos weighs up his options. Central to that discussion is goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, who continues to build a compelling case through consistency and big-game influence.
Petersen, who was named Player of the Match in the recent Soweto Derby, has now kept 13 clean sheets this season — a return that places him among the standout performers in the league.
His momentum had briefly been halted by injury, but Broos had already indicated that the shot-stopper would likely have featured in the last Bafana camp against Panama had he been fit, further underlining how close he is to national team involvement.
“It’s not only Petersen that we have in the team (that could play for Bafana), I think we have about four or five players that are putting pressure on (Broos); and I feel for him,” said Youssef.
“It will be tough for him to decide because if you look at Petersen this game and the game before as well and even before the injury, he was showing a really good level. He continues to work well with his coach and in my point of view, he deserves to be in the national team just purely on his performances and this is no gift.”
Youssef’s stance is clear — selection should be earned, and in his view, Petersen has done exactly that. But the Chiefs co-coach was equally quick to broaden the conversation beyond one individual.
Players such as Bradley Cross, Lebohang Maboe and Thabiso Monyane have all played key roles in Chiefs’ improved performances in recent weeks, contributing to a growing sense that the club is once again producing players capable of competing at international level.
“I would also say the same about Cross, Maboe and Monyane as well, I think they are pushing and playing well and I think it’s time players from Kaizer Chiefs feature in the national team.”
For Chiefs, it marks a shift in narrative.
After years of inconsistency, their resurgence has not only lifted them up the table but also reintroduced their players into national contention. With the World Cup on the horizon, the competition for places will only intensify.
For Youssef, however, the equation remains straightforward — reward form, trust performance, and Chiefs players will be part of the conversation.