Why Kaizer Chiefs changed winning midfield partnership

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has discussed Amakhosi's emerging midfield partnership of Lebohang Maboe and Siphesihle Ndlovu.

Feb 12, 2026 - 09:00
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Why Kaizer Chiefs changed winning midfield partnership

So much has been said about Kaizer Chiefs’ standout defence this season, it’s now time to chat about the midfield.

Ahead of travelling to Zamalek on Sunday, coach Khalil Ben Youssef has offered insight on Maboe and Ndlovu’s partnership, particularly why the partnership was dropped in the 2-1 loss to Stellenbosch FC in the Nedbank Cup round of 32.

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KAIZER CHIEFS CO-COACH KHALIL BEN YOUSSEF ON LEBOHANG MABOE AND SIPHESIHLE NDLOVU COMBO

The Glamour Boys have marked four wins and one loss in their last five matches across all competitions. Their most recent result was a 2–1 victory against Al Masry in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, central to this run have been the former Maritzburg United duo.

“I think with Maboe and Ndlovu they give us a lot of stability,” co-coach Youssef told the media.

The Tunisian mentor is no stranger to big clubs in Africa. His experience includes AS FAR Rabat in Morocco, Young Africans SC in Tanzania, his home nation’s clubs Club Africain and Stade Tunisien, and several Saudi Arabian clubs like Al-Ahli and Al-Adalah.

“The last few games if we changed Maboe or Ndlovu, just to manage them because it was a big risk of injury for them. So, I have to manage the load for them. And we know midfielder it’s always the first player to do a lot of sprint, lot of distance, so I have to manage them,” Youssef explained.

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The Kaizer Chiefs taskmaster reflected that before the break, it was Maboe and George Matlou who were on the pitch, noting that their presence brought balance and much-needed stability to the team.

He went on to praise the depth within the squad, highlighting the variety of qualities available in midfield. In his view, the combination of Ndlovu and Maboe adds technical sharpness and composure in the centre of the park. It gives the team both control and structure when it matters most.

“Some players they give us more physical quality, and every game we’re managing, each game dependent on the load. Dependent on the physical situation of the player and also dependent of the opponent,” Youssef concluded.

WHICH OTHER KAIZER CHIEFS MIDFIELDERS DO YOU PREFER AS SUBSTITUTES OR STARTERS?

Share your thoughts in the comments block below.

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