Ben Youssef: Playing in CAF is the minimum for Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef was pleased with the club achieving one of their targets by qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday evening.

There was much to ponder for the Soweto giants prior to the encounter after their intense and hard-tackling 1-1 draw against the league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in midweek.

However, second-half goals from Tashreeq Morris and Mfundo Vilakazi guided Chiefs to a 2-0 win and sealed third spot with two matches remaining.

READ | Chiefs clinch CAF spot with two games to spare

“I think we discussed many times the minimum this season is to qualify for the CAF, now one of the targets we did. We said the first thing is to play compete and play again the CAF every season and that’s the minimum for the fans, the team for one of the biggest team in South Africa and in Africa,” Youssef told SuperSport TV.

“Now, we have to think still two games – we have to stay focus, to compete to get the maximum points. I think about the game – the player showed very good character today. Very tough mentality after the strong game that we played in three days against Sundowns to repeat.

“I’m so proud of the performance of the players, the commitment, desire they showed in this game. Congratulations to them and congratulations for the fans and congratulations for all the family of Kaizer Chiefs."

The team credited the medical and fitness staff and the camp embodies that of a military base following Morris' return to the field.

“I think I have to say thank you and congratulations to the fitness coach, for coach Dillon, Nathi. There are some men that are working behind the stand. You know, Morris was out of the squad for a lot of games and when the team needed him, he is always ready," he added.

“He was out of squad, Vilakazi was out of the squad and they come and show very good performance today. I want to say thank you for these men that are working behind the stand, and preparing the player.

“I always say to the players we’re like a military, whenever the team needs you have to be ready any time."