Kaizer Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung claims that the team’s congested fixture schedule is good for the fans following criticism from Khalil Ben Youssef aimed at the PSL.
Amakhosi co-coach Ben Youssef hit out at the league’s governing body after their 2-1 victory over Al Masry in the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday which saw his team play their sixth game in the space of just 20 days.
The Tunisian questioned why Chiefs are being asked to play the same number of matches as those teams in the Betway Premiership who aren’t involved in CAF competitions and don’t have to deal with travelling around Africa.
Ben Youssef pointed to examples of the PSL postponing domestic fixtures for Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates last season while they featured in the CAF Champions League.
However, Motaung stated that the Glamour Boys are in the business of servicing their fanbase as many supporters don’t have the opportunity to watch their team play on the continent.
“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.
“Looking at the business we are in now, it (the congested fixture schedule) 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.
“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.
‘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.”
