Chiefs Coach Explains Why Most New Signings Missed Season Opener Against Stellenbosch

Kaizer Chiefs secured a crucial 2-0 victory against Stellenbosch FC to kick off their season, but they did so without several of their new signings. 

Assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef confirmed that Flavio Silva, Ethan Chislett, and Nkanyiso Shinga were all unavailable because “some of them” are still awaiting their work permits. 

Ben Youssef was leading the team in the absence of head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who had to travel to Tunisia for a family emergency.

Speaking on the matter, Ben Youssef acknowledged the difficulties this poses for the team's preparations. He said that while it's tough to get ready for matches without the full complement of players, it's a coach's duty to find a way to succeed. 

This win is a positive sign for the Amakhosi, as it shows they can perform well even when facing setbacks. Once the new players are available, they will be able to integrate into the team and provide a boost to the squad's depth and attacking options. 

The team's ability to win despite these challenges highlights their resilience and determination early in the season.

‘WE ARE WAITING FOR PERMITS’

“When the new players come back to join us it will be better, they will give us more solutions, we waiting for them [for work permits], we continue to work,” he stated.

“The most important things that we discussed now in the changing room is that we finished today’s game against Stellenbosch and we start thinking about the next game against Polokwane City. The most difficult thing for us is always think about the second game.

“As a coach, we have prepare for different playing plan, A, B, C, D, lot of plans, because they can get injury last training session.

“So for us, we prepare all the team, all of them, they can start the game. We prepare all the situation. And if they are available to play, it’s we are lucky if they are not available, it’s our job to prepare the next play.”