Kaizer Chiefs News Today: Soweto Derby, a disaster in waiting? Amakhosi lauded after fight vs Sundowns & more

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Kaizer Chiefs News Today: Soweto Derby, a disaster in waiting? Amakhosi lauded after fight vs Sundowns & more

The latest news about Kaizer Chiefs in the last 24 hours, including the Soweto Derby concerns, Amakhosi’s brave fight in a draw with Mamelodi Sundowns, and more.

Ben Youssef delighted with Chiefs’ fight

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef was full of praise for the players following their 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday night.

“I think it was a real battle today; it was a big fight. I think we showed because there is a lot of fight outside about this game. We showed that we’re playing for our team, we showed that we are managing every game as a cup game, we fight for every game,” Youssef told SuperSport after the game.

“I think the first half, we managed very well the game, we scored the first goal. In the second half, when we started the second half it wasn’t very good so we conceded the first goal, then you saw in the last minute of the second half we created some opportunities and was close to score.

Mduduzi Shabalala of Kaizer Chiefs in action against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mduduzi Shabalala of Kaizer Chiefs in action against Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

“I think both teams deserved one point in this game, for us we have to continue to fight. We still have three games, Sekhukhune, AmaZulu and Chippa. We have continued to fight to get maximum of the points.”

Soweto Derby, a disaster waiting to happen?

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie has admitted that the Soweto derby event is a disaster “waiting to happen” and has taken the matter of overcrowding and security concerns in a very serious light.

The number of supporters who have flocked into the FNB Stadium this season for the clash of the two Soweto giants has been increasing to well over 100 000, by estimation, as fans have raised concerns that the situation of the stadium being filled far beyond its capacity is a disaster waiting to happen, if the situation is not addressed.

“I need to also address the issue of the derby. The derby is an accident waiting to happen, it happened in Orkney, people died, it happened at Ellis Park, we’re never going to allow it to happen again,” McKenzie said at a press conference, where he announced the names of the 16 fans who would be going to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“We cannot celebrate that there were 104 000 people at the stadium that is supposed to take 90 000. I met with the Chairman of the PSL (Dr. Irvin Khoza), I met with different stakeholders and I want to make it clear, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have done everything that is expected of them.

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie.

“I’m going to write to the Minister of Police… to bemoan the lack of police presence and to ask him to urgently look at the matter of police involvement. The problem was lack of adequate policing, the problem was with the ticket sales and Stadium Management (company), this is something I take very seriously (and) it’s not going to happen under my watch as the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture,” McKenzie added.

Maart opens up about life in Europe

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Yusuf Maart has opened up on his adaptation to life in Europe as he continues to wait for a recall to the Bafana Bafana fold.

“To be honest, it is tougher [in the Austria Bundesliga], more physical and there is more running. The players are more physical and stronger,” he told Soccer Beat podcast.

“But I am that kind of player that can work the ball, steal the ball or go for a tackle. So it also suits me.

Yusuf Maart at SV Ried
Yusuf Maart at SV Ried. Image – SC Ried

“Obviously, the coach [Hugo Broos] knows what I have done, but it is his decision. Tony [SV Ried South African teammate Antonio Van Wyk] has been top as well. He has been so brilliant. He can come short and can go with one v one. He is still young too [23 years old]. But from my side, it is about respect… We just work hard until the opportunity comes,” he concluded.

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Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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