Former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef believes Amakhosi are still some way off from challenging for the Betway Premiership title.
The Tunisian tactician recently parted ways with Chiefs alongside Cedric Kaze. Despite their departure, the duo helped guide the Soweto giants to a third-place finish last season, which is the club’s highest league finish in six years.
Speaking to Andile Ncube, Ben Youssef stressed the importance of being realistic about the club’s current position and future ambitions.
“I think, to make things easier, we have to be honest with people and explain to them. Yes, we played to win, but we were not ready to win,” he said.
When asked whether Chiefs could win the league next season, Ben Youssef gave a blunt response.
“No, they are not,” he said.
The former Chiefs coach believes sustained recruitment and long-term stability are required before the club can realistically compete for the title.
Ben Youssef says Chiefs need four years to win the league
“It’s good recruitment that will make them win the league. If they continue like that for a minimum of three or four years, the team will be ready to fight for the league,” he explained.
“You need to keep the same team, continue with the same coach, maintain the same mentality and playing style.”
Ben Youssef also warned against allowing key players to leave, citing defender Aden McCarthy as an example of the type of talent Chiefs must retain if they are serious about building a championship-winning side.
“We can see with the situation of Aden. He left the team. Aden played more than 60 or 70 percent of the games and was one of the best defenders. Now you lose him and you have to replace him,” he said.
“If you are building, you have to keep your top players and continue to build.”
Having parted ways with Kaze and Ben Youssef, Kaizer Chiefs are yet to name a new coach.