Khalil Ben Youssef defends approach as Kaizer Chiefs prepare for Soweto Derby

This follows Chiefs' disappointing 2-1 defeat to Stellenbosch FC at a packed FNB Stadium on Tuesday night. The loss marked the second time this month that Stellies have beaten the Glamour Boys, having also knocked them out of the Nedbank Cup.

Despite the setback, Chiefs remain fourth on the table with 30 points from 16 matches - a significant improvement from last season when they were outside the top five at this stage and ultimately finished ninth.

"From the first day of the season, we said we would take every game as a cup game," Ben Youssef explained to journalists.

"We didn't say we are competing for the league, but we are fighting to win every match. At the end of the season, we will see where we are."

The Tunisian tactician emphasised that the team is still rebuilding and working towards consistency.

"If we get the opportunity to fight for the league, we will do that. But the most important thing is to fight and win games," he added.

Reflecting on the Stellies defeat, Ben Youssef defended his substitutions, including the introductions of Thabo Cele and Mduduzi Shabalala, as well as changes involving Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Ethan Chislet and Ashley Du Preez.

"We managed the game well. But the impact players from the bench didn't perform as expected, and we have to analyse that," he said.

Chiefs now turn their attention to a sold-out Soweto Derby against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on Saturday - their first league meeting this season.