BRING ON PIRATES Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Youssef Ben Khalil is more than optimistic about his side's chances against Orlando Pirates in the upcoming Soweto Derby. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Following their thumping 4-0 Nedbank Cup victory over third division side Free Agents in the Nedbank Cup on Sunday, Kaizer Chiefs are ready to dispatch Orlando Pirates in the upcoming Soweto Derby according to AmaKhosi assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef.
There was a clear gulf in class during the cup clash at FNB Stadium, with Pule Mmodi bagging a brace inside the first half an hour before Inacio Miguel and Ranga Chivaviro made the scoreline emphatic with strikes in the second period.
In fact, Chiefs had 16 shots at goal to just the four of Free Agents. Chiefs also had a major share of possession with 70% of the ball.
It may be a slightly different prospect facing Pirates on Saturday, but Ben Youssef was clearly buoyed by the cup victory.
"The derby is 50/50 for both teams. We have our ideas, they have their ideas, we will see next week. We will win, we will see next week during the match,” said Ben Youssef.
Chiefs have also experienced something of a resurgence in the Betway Premiership as they are up to fifth on the log as the midpoint of the season nears. Chiefs with their 21 points mean they are only four points off third-placed Polokwane City.
Of course, Mamelodi Sundowns look ominous at the top with 33 points with Pirates six points adrift in second.
Still, Ben Youssef was clearly optimistic about the future despite a somewhat contrasting statement about his players he made after the Free Agents win.
"Honestly we have a good team, not very good players but a good team. They all play for Chiefs and they can play from the start for the badge," said Ben Youssef.
"We have good players, good ambition inside, they want to progress. We always, try to keep the fitness of our players and also to try to manage the team.”
