Khalil Ben Youssef backs Brooklyn Poggenpoel for Bafana regular role

Despite regular skipper Siphamandla Ncanana also featuring against Burundian outfit Rukinzo FC, it was Poggenpoel who was entrusted with leading the side, just days after being called up by Pitso Mosimane. 

Ben Youssef explained the decision, revealing why he believes the 24-year-old possesses the leadership qualities and character required to thrive at international level.

"Yeah, I think we have three captains in the team. Poggenpoel is performing very well. I think it was disappointing last season; he was on the preliminary list to be in the World Cup squad. Unfortunately for him, he wasn't on the list, but now he is on the preliminary squad, and we hope that he will be part of Bafana Bafana because he is working really hard and deserves to be a part," said Ben Youssef 

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On facing Rukinzo away, Ben Youssef made it clear that rotation was unlikely given the lack of depth at City.

Ben Youssef was not particularly pleased with the overall performance of The Citizens at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday and hopes the second leg – which is the most crucial despite the 1-0 lead – is much better.

The coach, who led Kaizer Chiefs to the group stages of the same competition last season, conceded that the slender advantage was risky.

"I think every win gives you confidence, but like I said, it's not a safe result. If you win by more goals, it gives you more confidence. I think it's a tricky result, so we need to prepare for the second game. It will be on an artificial pitch, so we need to prepare ourselves properly."