Latest news with #Mzoughi
The South African
5 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs coach breaks silence on 'unfair' goalkeeper criticism
Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper coach Ilyez Mzoughi has defended the club's goalkeeping department, claiming fans were overly harsh in their judgement during a disappointing Betway Premiership campaign. Mzoughi believes criticism of Bruce Bvuma, Brandon Petersen, and Fiacre Ntwari overlooked the difficult circumstances they faced throughout the season. Despite some memorable individual moments, Chiefs could only manage a ninth-place finish, conceding 39 goals in 30 league matches, a stat that lays bare the defensive frailties. While each of the three goalkeepers had standout performances, the overall figures reflect clear room for improvement: Bruce Bvuma, made 23 appearances, with eight clean sheets and 23 goals conceded. Fiacre Ntwari managed 7 appearances, with one clean sheet and 11 goals conceded. While Brandon Petersen only made 5 appearances, with one clean sheet too, and 5 goals conceded. Mzoughi offered context for the underwhelming stats, citing disruptions in defence that impacted the entire squad. 'It was a tough season, not only for the goalkeepers, but for the whole team,' he said via the club's official website. 'We were unlucky with some injuries and suspensions of our defenders, which affected the goalies in particular, and the team in general.' Despite the collective struggles, Mzoughi praised his trio for producing match-saving moments under pressure. 'Overall, I feel that all our goalkeepers made various excellent saves throughout the season, such as Bruce's magnificent save against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semis or Brandon's mature performance in the final.' Mzoughi also addressed the controversial decision to start Petersen ahead of Bvuma in the Nedbank Cup final, a move that caught many supporters off guard. 'It was indeed a tough decision. Bruce had a bit of a lingering calf injury. He wasn't 100% fit. 'Brandon was working and training tremendously hard and, despite not having played a competitive match in seven months, I asked him: 'Are you ready to play a game?' He looked at me and answered: 'I am ready!' The rest is history.' The Tunisian coach acknowledged the high expectations at Naturena but pleaded with fans to be more understanding of the challenges goalkeepers face. 'Our supporters can be very demanding, and rightly so, as we are a big club. But I do feel that they were at times too critical of our goalkeepers. 'We must be realistic and support them. It's important that our fans give our goalies love, irrespective of who is in goal, as we are one family.' Will Kaizer Chiefs find a solution in goal? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
'Is there a crisis?': Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper coach speaks out
Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper coach Ilyes Mzough has defended his goalkeepers despite a poor season. Amakhosi conceded 32 goals last campaign in the Betway Premiership, having used three different keepers. Fiarce Ntwari was brought in as Itumeleng Khune, but the Rwandan international was dropped after seven games. Bruce Bvuma took over and played most games last season. He was decent in most games, but lost concentration in crucial matches, which Chiefs went on to lose. In the final of the Nedbank Cup, Kaizer Chiefs changed goalkeepers, bringing in Brandon Petersen. The 31-year-old only conceded once as Amakhosi went on to win 2-1 and claim their first trophy in 10 years. Mzoughi though believes the defence is mostly to blame. 'It was a tough season, not only for the goalkeepers, but for the whole team,' admitted Mzoughi. 'We were unlucky with some injuries and suspensions of our defenders, which affected the goalies in particular, and the team in general. 'Overall, I feel that all our goalkeepers made various excellent saves throughout the season, such as Bruce's (Bvuma) magnificent save against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final or Brandon's (Petersen) mature performance in the final,' Mzoughi said. Former Kaizer Chiefs star Junior Khany says the Soweto giants need to urgently find a reliable keeper. 'They should be signing in the important position, a goalkeeper,' the former winger told iDiski Times. 'A very important position, they were supposed to sign a goalkeeper. I see all the signings and Nabi is he okay having a pre-season with Kaizer Chiefs, thinking his problem is wing-backs? It's a question that's why I'm asking,' Khanye added. 'The goalkeeper position, the guy just overlooked that and signed wing-backs. It's a question I'm asking myself. So it means he attacks with wing-backs? He realised that his problem is at wing-back, that he needs one at right and left but he doesn't have a goalkeeper.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
11-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Rare Nedbank Cup triumph sparks renewed hope for Kaizer Chiefs fans
Ilyes Mzough (left), the goalkeeper coach of the Mauritanian national team, before being lured away by the opportunity to work alongside a familiar face, Nasreddine Nabi, the Kaizer Chiefs coach. As the dawn of a new season gives way to fresh hopes and aspirations, Kaizer Chiefs' specialist goalkeeper coach Ilyes Mzoughi is brimming with anticipation and determination. With the momentum of last season's rare success, namely winning the Nedbank Cup, Mzoughi understands that the expectations of supporters have grown stronger. 'Having won the Nedbank Cup, our supporters are expecting more trophies and the technical staff share that aspiration,' Mzoughi said, looking towards the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The connection between the team and the country's biggest fan base, he continued, is vital in this quest for continued success. 'Their support is crucial — our unity gives us power,' he added profoundly, in an interview with Mzoughi highlighted the significance of solidarity in achieving their collective goals. His commitment to cultivating a fierce competitive edge in his goalkeepers stems not only from his tactical expertise but also from an understanding of the club's culture and its passionate fans. As the team sets its sights on more trophies, the excitement resonates not just within the squad but also throughout the stands where devoted supporters rally behind the badge. The synergy between the technical staff's aspirations and the passion of the fans is a poignant reminder of what makes football more than just a game; it is a community, a culture, and a shared dream. The Tunisian-Frenchman embodies the demanding nature of football coaching, characterised by a serious work ethic. Yet, it's his lighter side, characterised by an infectious smile and a knack for humour, that endears him to players and staff alike. 'I'm only a call away,' he assures his goalkeepers. The past season was fraught with adversity for the AmaKhosi goalkeepers. Rwanda-born Fiacre Ntwari began as the primary shot-stopper, but injuries struck, including a significant setback for Brandon Petersen, necessitating surgery. This led to Bruce Bvuma taking charge for most of the season, a challenging year where Chiefs finished in a disappointing ninth spot in the league table. "It was a tough season, not only for the goalkeepers but for the whole team,' Mzoughi reflected. 'We were unlucky with injuries and suspensions, impacting the keepers and overall team performance." Despite these hurdles, there were sparkling moments, particularly with Bvuma's 'magnificent save' against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final and Petersen's impressive final performance. One decision that took many by surprise was Petersen's sudden inclusion in the cup final, overtaking Bvuma, who had been in fine form. Mzoughi shared the reasoning behind this strategy: 'Bruce had a lingering calf injury and wasn't 100% fit. Brandon had been training hard. When I asked if he was ready to play, he confidently replied: 'I am ready!'' The goalkeeper coach believes that the club's passionate fanbase can sometimes be overly critical. 'We must be realistic and support them,' he noted. 'Our supporters can be demanding, and rightfully so, but it is essential for them to show love and support, no matter who is in goal. We are one family!' Mzoughi's journey in football began at the age of six in Tunisia. He initially played as a defender before fate led him to become a goalkeeper. His career took him across Europe and into the Gulf region, where he honed his coaching skills after a successful stint playing professionally. Most recently, he served as the goalkeeper coach for the Mauritanian national team before being lured away by the opportunity to work alongside a familiar face, Nasreddine Nabi, at Chiefs. In his coaching approach, Mzoughi is notably meticulous. 'Not only are our games recorded, but also training sessions," he explained. This extensive review process allows him to assess weaknesses for improvement, ensuring a scientific approach to enhance tactical and fitness levels. 'We prepare sessions based on discussions with the head coach, tailoring our tactics depending on the game plan," Mzoughi elaborated. His penchant for honesty is another hallmark of his coaching style. "Better one word straight to the face than ten words behind someone's back,' he quipped, underscoring his belief in forthright communication.
The Citizen
11-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Chiefs coach and fans' passion are the perfect mix
''I am from Khosi Nation!'', Mzoughi told the Chiefs official website. From the start of the 2024/25 season, one of the most eye-catching figures on the coaching sidelines at Kaizer Chiefs has been goalkeeper coach Ilyes Mzoughi. ALSO READ: Chislett – 'I've always looked up Chiefs results' No one celebrates with more gusto in the Amakhosi dugout. And perhaps no one on Nasreddine Nabi's coaching staff has fallen more for Chiefs' abundant support. Mzoughi – Chiefs fans 'touch my heart' 'Wherever I am in South Africa, you will find Chief supporters. I love them. They touch my heart. When people ask me where I am from, I answer: 'I am from Khosi Nation!'' Mzoughi told the Chiefs official website. Mzoughi certainly had his work cut out during the campaign, as Chiefs battled to settle on a first-choice 'keeper. Rwandan Fiacre Ntwari started the campaign between the poles, but he was dropped in November for Brandon Peterson. Peterson, however, lasted just two games before Bruce Bvuma became first choice for most of the rest of the season. Even then, however, Peterson surprisingly replaced Bvuma for the Nedbank Cup final win over Orlando Pirates, and played in Chiefs' final two league games of the season. 'It was a tough season, not only for the goalkeepers, but for the whole team,' said Mzoughi, 'We were unlucky with some injuries and suspensions of our defenders, which affected the goalies in particular, and the team in general. 'Overall, I feel that all our goalkeepers made various excellent saves throughout the season, such as Bruce's magnificent save against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semis or Brandon's mature performance in the final. Mzoughi says that a slight injured problem for Bvuma influenced the decision to pick Peterson for the final. 'A tough decision' 'It was indeed a tough decision, Bruce had a bit of a lingering calf injury. He wasn't 100% fit. 'Brandon was working and training tremendously hard and, despite not having played a competitive match in seven months, I asked him: 'Are you ready to play a game?' He looked at me and answered: 'I am ready!' If Mzoughi does have one criticism of the club's supporters, meanwhile, it is that they are too hard on his goalkeepers. ALSO READ: Ndlondlo's emotional message to Pirates fans 'Our supporters can be very demanding, and, rightly so, as we are big Club. But I do feel that they were at times too critical of our goalkeepers. We must be realistic and support them. It's important that our fans give our goalies love, irrespective of who is in goal, as we are one family!'
