Khalil's calmness keeps Chiefs flying high in Nabi's absence

BEN Youssef Khalil wears the head coach's cap very well. In charge of Kaizer Chiefs in the absence of incumbent Nasredinne Nabi, Khalil has led Amakhosi to an impressive start to the season the Glamour Boys winning all three of their Betway Premiership matches without conceding a goal.

- MATSHELANE MAMABOLO

Granted, Khalil has repeatedly spoken of how Nabi - back home in Tunisia to be with his wife who was involved in a car accident - remains the man in charge and that he is in contact with them. That may well be the case, but the reality is that Khalil is leading the team now and has seen Chiefs beating all comers to sit joint top of the table with Sekhukhune United.

Their latest victory - a 1-0 defeat of Richards Bay at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday night was once again achieved courtesy of a Khalil tactical masterstroke, his halftime substitutions turning the match in Amakhosi's favour.

The Tunisian introduced Gaston Sirino for Siphesihle Ndlovu at the break and the Uruguayan's impact was almost immediate, scoring what proved to be the winner just 11 minutes after entering the pitch.

Khalil - as he always does when in the hot seat - spoke with the calmness of a man sure of himself and his methods during the post-match media conference as he explained the logic behind his substitutions.