“Football Controversy” – Ben Youssef Slams Pirates’ Pre-Game Tactics
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has issued a clear statement to Orlando Pirates, emphasizing that if the Buccaneers wish to win the league title, it should be through fair play on the field and not through unsportsmanlike behavior.
Before the match kicked off, tensions between Chiefs and Pirates escalated, resulting in chaotic scenes that disrupted pre-match arrangements at FNB Stadium on Sunday, ultimately leading to a 1–1 draw.
The Buccaneers encroached on Chiefs’ warm-up area, causing Chiefs players to leave the field while Pirates continued their routines. The situation escalated to the point that police had to intervene, causing a 45-minute delay and pushing the kickoff from 15:00 to 15:45.
This incident has cast a cloud over Pirates’ title hopes. Despite dropping points in the derby, the Buccaneers still lead the table with 59 points, while Mamelodi Sundowns also faced challenges against Richards Bay on the same day.
Meanwhile, Chiefs are in third place with 47 points as they aim for a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup.
In his post-match comments, the Tunisian coach openly condemned what he described as unacceptable behavior:
“Before I discuss the match details, I need to share a brief message,” he said.
“Although I’m not from South Africa, I’m aware of how many viewers tuned in, and I received numerous inquiries from people wanting to see the match. What occurred before the game is something we cannot accept.
“We are portraying a negative image of ourselves. Fans expect to witness football, but what transpired prior to the match is intolerable. If you want to win the league and beat teams, it must be through playing football—not in this way. It’s about safety.
“I emphasize the importance of safety because individuals entered our area to confront our players. Such conduct is disgraceful, and we cannot accept it. As I mentioned, if you aim to win the league, it has to be earned—not through those means.”
Ben Youssef also shared how his coaching team handled the situation in the locker room, prioritizing calmness over confrontation:
“Thankfully, we decided not to say anything to them since these games don’t require our motivation. If players need motivation, then what are they doing in football?” he remarked.
“In such situations, the focus is to keep them calm and concentrated, as the motivation is already within them.
“Before the match, I stated in the press conference that the players were fit and eager to win, not to settle for a draw.”
Amakhosi will now shift their attention to their next league match against Siwelele at Dr Molemela Stadium on Wednesday, aiming to extend their unbeaten run to eight matches.
