Done for the season? Kaizer Chiefs explain absence of two stars and CAF Confederation Cup qualification

Kaizer Chiefs sealed their place in the top three of the Premier Soccer League table thanks to the 2-0 win over Sekhukhune United on Sunday.

Tashreeq Morris scored the club’s first goal in the 86th minute before Mfundo Vilakazi sealed the win in the stoppages from the penalty spot. It was a crucial victory that ensured Amakhosi would play in the CAF Confederation Cup for the second year running.

However, apart from the suspended Siphesihle Ndlovu and injured Mduduzi Shabalala, the Glamour Boys missed Lebohang Maboe and Wandile Duba. Where were they?

Where were Maboe and Duba against Sekhukhune?

“For Maboe, like I said, it was fatigue after the last game. We decided with the medical staff and with him to give him a rest in this game,” Coach Khalil Ben Youssef explained.

“Ndlovu, the problem is that he had four yellow cards. Duba is still injured, Shabalala is injured. 

“We try to keep consistency in the team. But sometimes there is a risk of injury. So, we should make rotation. 

“Like I said, a lot of times we discuss about the team or the player. We show that any player you ask him to come, he is ready to fight for the badge, for the team and for the fans.”

Chiefs happy to achieve the minimum

“I think a lot of time we said that the minimum that we can do this season is to be in the top three to play again in the AFCON [Confederation Cup]. For one of the biggest teams in South Africa and in Africa I think it’s the minimum that we can do. At least now we are already qualified for the next season, for the [CAF CC],” Youssef added.

“Congratulations to the fans, congratulations to the board, congratulations to the technical staff and the players.

“Is not the work only of us, it’s the work of a lot of people behind the scene. You see the performance of the keeper, the resilience behind him, if you see the fitness of the team and the players coming from out of the squad.

“And every time I said to them, like you are in the military, so you have to be ready for any game. There is much staff behind, it’s the fitness coach, our analysts, our doctor, we have to say congratulations to everybody. Like I said, it’s the minimum that you can do for the team to be in the top three,” he concluded.