Ben Youssef gives Kaizer Chiefs transfer advice: Sign these five players or forget success

Former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has revealed the recruitment strategy he believes is necessary to restore the club to its former glory, insisting new signings must be “top players ready to play immediately.”

Despite guiding the Amakhosi to a third-place finish and continental qualification last season, the Tunisian tactician’s contract was not renewed. However, he has left a clear message for the club’s management regarding their transfer policy.

In a frank assessment of the current squad, Ben Youssef pinpointed the specific areas where Kaizer Chiefs are lacking on the field. He argued that the gaps are so significant that only a targeted recruitment drive for established talent can close the distance to their Premier Soccer League rivals.

Ben Youssef on key positions for rebuild

Speaking on Sports Amplified with Andile Ncube, the former coach was precise in his analysis of the team’s needs.

“The team needs one left winger, one midfielder, one left full-back, one goalkeeper and one centre back,” he stated as quoted by GOAL.

He clarified that the new goalkeeper’s role would be to provide competition and depth, saying, “The ‘keeper is to support Bruce [Bvuma] and Brandon [Petersen].”

A blueprint for top-tier Chiefs signings

Ben Youssef went beyond simply listing positions, setting a high standard for any player hoping to wear the famous gold and black jersey. He believes the time for signing developmental players is over if Chiefs want to compete for the league title immediately.

“The other four players must be top players ready to play immediately. They must not have injuries or not be playing,” Ben Youssef insisted. “They must be from the top division and ready to play if we want to compete to win the PSL.”

He warned that without this approach, the club would be stuck in a prolonged rebuilding phase. “Otherwise, they [Chiefs] can continue the same, bringing in players without experience, and you continue to build step by step, and you take your time to be ready to compete.”

Reflecting on his time at Naturena, Ben Youssef suggested that the club’s expectations are often misaligned with the squad’s actual capabilities. He feels that without an injection of proven stars, Chiefs will remain in the shadow of Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.