Mathews Ndhlovu: Zesco United Coach Hits Back at Kaizer Chiefs Manager

• ZESCO United head coach Mathews Ndhlovu has slammed Kaizer Chiefs manager Khalil Ben Youssef over his remarks after their game
• The Premier Soccer League side secured a deserved win over the Zambian giants in their third group game in the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday afternoon
• The Zambian giants' coach's comment was met with several criticisms from Mzansi football fans on social media after the match

ZESCO United coach Mathews Ndhlovu has responded to Kaizer Chiefs mentor Khalil Ben Youssef’s remarks regarding the playing surface at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

Amakhosi secured a narrow 1–0 win, a result that left the Zambian side anchored to the bottom of Group D without a point, while the Soweto giants climbed to four points.

The Glamour Boys are enjoying a perfect start in 2026, as they also won their first game of the year after beating Lamontville Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership.

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Ndhlovu hits back at Ben Youssef

Although Kaizer Chiefs emerged victorious, Ben Youssef expressed dissatisfaction with the condition of the pitch. Ndhlovu, however, dismissed the concerns, stressing that both teams were subjected to the same playing conditions.

Ndhlovu explained after the match that at this stage of the competition, teams must be prepared to perform regardless of the surface, noting that challenges are inevitable wherever football is played.

He added that if the pitch was being used as justification for the outcome, ZESCO United would refrain from raising similar complaints when playing away. According to Ndhlovu, football is decided on the field, and he was disappointed by the way the issue was raised.

The ZESCO coach further pointed out that his players train on the same pitch regularly and insisted that the result had nothing to do with the surface. He conceded that his side made a costly error, which Kaizer Chiefs punished, emphasising that mistakes are down to execution rather than the condition of the pitch.

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Reactions as Ndhlovu slams Ben Youssef

The ZESCO United coach's reply to Ben Youssef was met with much criticism from South African football fans on social media, as most of them agreed with the Tunisian tactician's comments about the pitch they played in Zambia.

Some even suggested that Kaizer Chiefs should repay them in the same way and take them to a bad stadium in the second leg in South Africa.

Naphtally Phasha wrote:

"We must take them to the best carpet in the country. Peter Mokaba."

Tshepo Tsoaela reacted:

"Clearly he doesn't know our Stadium 😂😂it was a World Cup arena for a reason... That pitch of theirs is horrible. I'd rather we play at those Philly game grounds than that nonsense."

Peter MA Pmatsepane said:

"But that pitch was like a Thokoza Park in Soweto! It’s bumpy, and the ball is difficult to control."

Thando Tidoo shared:

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"In the continent, ppl defend everything about their setup/teams. Even things that should be of common concern."

Zakhele Sithole KaMzimela added:

"The pitch was bad. It was bumpy, you could see the ball movement, and it's not an excuse. I don't care what this coach said."

Kaizer Chiefs duo joins PSL side

Briefly News also reported that two Kaizer Chiefs youngsters have joined another Premier Soccer League side for the second half of the 2025-26 season.

Amakhosi are yet to make any signings in the January transfer window, but have let go of some of their academy products.

Source: Briefly News