Former Kaizer Chiefs coaches begin new chapters with immediate showdown

The fixture has added some excitement to the start of the new Premier Soccer League (PSL) season, with the two coaches beginning life in charge of their respective clubs by facing each other.

Kaze and Youssef spent the past few years working side by side as assistants to Nasreddine Nabi, first at Young Africans in Tanzania and later at Kaizer Chiefs, before both departed Naturena at the end of last season.

Now entrusted with leading their own teams, the pair will find themselves in opposite dugouts in what promises to be an emotional but competitive reunion.

Speaking at the Betway Premiership launch in Johannesburg on Wednesday, Youssef insisted that despite his connection with Kaze, the focus remains firmly on helping Durban City make a positive start to their top-flight campaign.

"There are no emotions because this is part of our job," he said.

"It will be a game between Durban City and Sekhukhune United, and you either win, lose or draw. But if you win, it will not be like you have won a trophy. It is important for us to start the season well."

The Tunisian coach also reiterated his belief that while coaches play an important role, the players ultimately determine results.

"I said before that between 20 and 30 percent comes from the coaches, while the rest depends on the players."

For Kaze, however, the occasion carries added sentimental value given the close friendship the two have built over the years.

"It is true that I have worked with Khalil for many years and we are very close friends," Kaze said.

"It is going to be an emotional one, but it also shows the progression we have made from assistant coaches to head coaches in the PSL. I am sure the game is going to be entertaining, and I am looking forward to it."

While their friendship provides an interesting backdrop, both coaches know that once the whistle blows, the focus will shift entirely to securing three valuable points and making the perfect start to a season.