Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef has explained Amakhosi targeted strong players because the South African football landscape is very emotional in judging players, especially on social media.
Youssef, along with Cedric Kaze, have been in charge of Amakhosi since head coach Nasreddine Nabi was suspended by the club’s management.
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With Nabi expected to leave, and only his severance package still being discussed, Youssef and Kaze look set to continue at Naturena.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s game against AmaZulu, Youssef was asked what type of player he as a coach is targeting in signings for Chiefs, and he insisted more than anything they are looking at players with a strong character.
“Bringing players with character, mentally strong, who can resist the pressure here,” he stated.
“Because honestly there is a lot of pressure in this team, like in other teams, but let me say the pressure is very big here.
“Secondly, with the social media here we need professional players, players who don’t see [or get fazed] about social media, because here you score one goal, you are like Messi, tomorrow you miss a penalty, you are a plumber, you know nothing about football.
“It’s so emotional here. So, if you have players who are a lot on social media and without character, it’s easy to destroy them.
“That’s why we want to bring players with character, who played on the high level, who know what pressure means, and how they control and manage it – that’s the most important thing.
“And also, the technique and the tactic.”
Chiefs host Usuthu at 19:30 at FNB Stadium on Wednesday, and could climb into third place with a win, while Arthur Zwane’s men could draw level with Amakhosi should they steal all three points.
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