With uncertainty regarding the return of Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi, KickOff analyses whether assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef is bringing his own ideas, when leading the team.
There was a running joke last season from Chiefs fans that they preferred Ben Youssef to be in charge, because Amakhosi look more positive and always win when he's in charge.
Nabi's right-hand man first took over Chiefs in two competitive matches last season where the former Young Africans coach was suspended in the Betway Premiership against Sekhukhune and also in the Nedbank Cup round of 32 against Free Agents.
Before Ben Youssef had to step up, in the absence of Nabi, The Glamour Boys were coming off two consecutive defeats against Cape Town City and Golden Arrows, with the morale low.
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Under Amakhosi's second-in-command, four changes were made against Sekhukhune, a line-up which appeared more attacking, with the likes of Samkelo Zwane, Pule Mmodi and George Matlou getting opportunities and that resulted in a narrow 1-0 win.
Even though Chiefs were expected to be adventurous against lower league side Free Agents, the Soweto giants were still desperate to progress but again the likes of Happy Mashiane and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo were given a run in the line-up and Amakhosi ran with a 4-0 win.
Chiefs were back to their woes when Nabi returned after a loss in the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates, with the likes of Ranga Chivaviro returning to the line-up.
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After the Tunisian head coach missed Amakhosi's first game of the 2025/26 season against Stellenbosch, there was a surprise and bold decision again by Ben Youssef to start Naledi Hlongwane alongside Wandile Duba, as paper work issues ruled out a few of their new signings, including the likes of Flavio Silva.
Chiefs appeared more assertive under Ben Youssef, with supporters wondering whether the line-up was made by Nabi or he used his discretion to select the team, which looked different compared to pre-season matches and last season.
Even though Ben Youssef obviously consults with the former AS FAR Rabat head coach on the team selection, it has become clear that the Tunisian assistant coach has his own ideas and with running game, he is not emotional with his substitutions and can read the game well following a 2-0 win over a vastly experienced Steve Barker.
There are rumours that Nabi and Amakhosi may have had differences leading up to their opening game against Stellies, with the Nedbank Cup winning coach's return not vouched for with absolute certainty.
Should the 60-year-old coach not return, due to one reason or another, Ben Youssef has certainly started to endear himself to Chiefs fans with a 100 percent winning record so far.
