Despite a significant influx of new players, Kaizer Chiefs have struggled for consistency under Nasreddine Nabi, managing only five wins in their opening 13 Betway Premiership matches.
Assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef cites injuries and suspensions as key factors contributing to the team’s poor form during this rebuilding phase.
With the new head coach suspended for two upcoming league games as a result of his red card in the 1-0 defeat to Golden Arrows, Youssef will take the team for their upcoming clash with Sekhukhune United on Sunday.
The assistant coach said in the Citizen: “The first season we are in the process of building the team. The team is maybe 70 percent from last season. There are new players like (Bradley) Cross, (Njabulo) Blom, (Gaston) Sirino, a lot of new players.
“The second problem is to make the team the right way and to keep the same squad. Every game we lose one or two players to yellow or red cards.
“Then there are injuries. It started with (Edmilson) Dove, then (Edson) Castillo, then Cross, now Ashley (Du Preez). Every game there is a change of squad plan, it is not easy for us.”
Ben Youssef added that they expect a tough test against an in-form Sekhukhune, who are in third place on the league standings.
“Sekhukhune are one of the best teams this season,” he added.
“Their striker (Andy Boyeli) scored three goals in their last game. We must play well against them.”