Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef has expressed confidence in the team's attacking depth despite being unable to field new signings Ethan Chislett and Flavio Silva in their opening two matches, but there seems to be good news with paperwork for a new player.
The Tunisian mentor believes young players Wandile Duba and Naledi Hlongwane have proven they deserve their opportunities and can carry the attacking burden until the new arrivals are cleared to play.
Speaking to journalists during the team's media open day ahead of their Betway Premiership encounter against Richards Bay on Tuesday evening, Youssef emphasized that the team doesn't rely solely on these unavailable players.
"We don't depend if Ethan (Chislett) is not here. If Silva is not here. We have players who are here. If they are here they deserve to play. We have Wandile (Duba). We have Naledi (Hlongwane). We are waiting for Silva. So whoever is ready will play. So if Silva is ready, he is a better solution. Now, as you said, the issue is the paperwork. When it's ready, he will play. We are waiting for the card from the board. When he is ready it's more solutions for us. Now we think only for players who are available for us," Youssef told the media.
The Siya crew has previously linked Amakhosi with signing Mamelodi Sundowns striker Etiosa Ighodaro which is one of their solutions to beefing up the attack. Chiefs have been patiently waiting for the Nigerian to receive his paperwork so that he can be registered as a local in South Africa.
It wasn't clear whether Ighodaro would be able to sign for Chiefs in time but local reports have now indicated that the Glamour Boys are closing in on Ighodaro.
The Siya crew also understands Ighodaro could be announced as a Chiefs player soon.
Meanwhile, the assistant coach revealed that addressing defensive frailties was the primary focus during preseason after last season's poor record at the back.
"The first thing we did in the preseason was to work on the defence because last season we conceded a lot of goals. I think after two games, (we have) two clean sheets so we have succeeded in that area," Youssef said.
Youssef also provided positive updates on injured defenders Rushwin Dortley and Given Msimango, indicating both are close to returning to full training.
"Dortley has kept on working with our medical staff. They did a very good job with him. I think soon. In a few weeks he will be back, him and Given (Msimango) to restart the training session with the team," Youssef observed.
The assistant coach explained how defensive injuries in the final three games of last season forced them to promote young Aden McCarthy, highlighting the importance of having experienced defenders available.
"Last season we finished the last three games without all the defenders. Given (Msimango) was injured, Dortley was injured, Zitha (Kwinika) was injured. Then we promoted Aden to play the last games. This season we started with Dortley and Msimango out and when they are back they will help the team with the experience they have. And also, they will fight for their positions and Aden and (Inacio) Miguel performed very well. And Zitha is here also. He is doing well. And we know we have a lot of defenders which is a lot of competition which will help the team," Youssef concluded.
Chiefs have reinforced their defensive options by signing three defenders in Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako and Nkanyiso Shinga as part of their strategy to strengthen the backline that struggled significantly last season.
