Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has raised concerns over the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) scheduling. His frustrations follow a demanding period for the club. The coach believes the league has not done enough to support their continental journey.
Chiefs recently secured a 2-1 win over Al Masry at Peter Mokaba Stadium. While the result was positive, the workload is becoming a major talking point. Ben Youssef highlighted that his team has played five games in just 15 days.
A Lack of Preparation Time
The schedule has left almost no room for actual coaching. Ben Youssef noted that the team is often flying between matches without training sessions. The routine has shifted entirely to recovery.
“It’s been two or three weeks without a training session,” the coach stated. He compared this to last season when the league adjusted fixtures for teams in CAF competitions. This year, the same flexibility has not been shown to Amakhosi.
The Risk to Players
Ben Youssef pointed out a disparity in the league standings. While Chiefs have completed their domestic fixtures, some opponents have games in hand. He argues that this puts his players at a high risk of injury.
The coach emphasized that the team is representing South Africa on the big stage. He questioned why the league provided a two-month break only to follow it with a game every three days.
Looking Ahead to Zamalek
Despite the fatigue, Kaizer Chiefs sit at the top of Group D with 10 points. Their next task is a trip to Cairo to face Zamalek. A draw or a win in Egypt will ensure they qualify for the knockout phase.
The balance between domestic duties and African success remains a difficult challenge for the Soweto giants.
Source: timeslive.co.za
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