Bobby urges Khalil to embrace congested schedule

February 10, 2026 66

Kaizer Chiefs Football Manager, Bobby Motaung, says the club has no choice but to embrace its congested fixture list, despite coach Khalil Ben Youssef raising concerns over player welfare.

Speaking after Sunday’s 2-1 win over Egyptian side Al Masry in their CAF Confederation Cup Group D fixture at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Ben Youssef suggested that the Premier Soccer League (PSL) was treating Amakhosi unfairly.

The Tunisian questioned why the league has hardly postponed their domestic fixtures, arguing that the league previously accommodated Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns during their continental campaigns. He warned that the packed schedule increased the risk of player injuries.

Motaung, however, said the club had little choice but to adapt.

“He [Ben Youssef] is speaking from a coach’s point of view, but obviously from a club’s point of view, we need to compete and service our supporters,” Motaung said during a media briefing at the SAB headquarters in Bryanston, to announce the renewal of Chiefs’ Carling Black Label sponsorship.

“Looking at the business we are in now, it [the congested fixture programme] is challenging … even in the world, it’s also the same, but the league has to survive, so we need to play as many games as possible to service our supporters.”

Motaung added that their busy schedule allows their supporters a chance to consume the product, particularly through domestic matches, as not all supporters are able to travel for continental fixtures.

“If you’re playing continental football, not all supporters are going to travel, but the domestic league services those supporters. We need to create a balance and that’s why squads need to have depth,”Motaung said..

“It’s unfortunate that the coaches and players feel the brunt, but in terms of the business itself, the league needs to sustain itself, and we need competitions. We need sponsors and we need to play.”

🤝 Two iconic South African institutions. One powerful partnership.

“We are announcing this partnership between two really great institutions in Southern Africa. Both have shaped this nation’s culture for generations. Both have built loyalty that transcends sport and commerce.”… pic.twitter.com/QVCI18Uof7

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) February 10, 2026