Kaizer Chiefs made massive changes to their technical team hoping to rebuild the team after a decade without silverware.
Among the new people who were brought in was goalkeeper trainer Illyes Mzoughi. His main task was to help the likes of Fiacre Ntwari, Brandon Petersen and Bruce Bvuma to keep clean sheets.
However, the impact has not been as good as it should be on the pitch. The Glamour Boys have conceded in 11 out of the 12 outings, and two in 14 fixtures across all competitions. However, off the pitch and in training, Mzoughi has been lauded for what he is doing to improve the team.
Mzoughi demands a lot – Bvuma
“Coach Ilyes is a quality goalkeeper coach, and a great human being, he's like a father to us as goalkeepers and even the in-field players,” he told the media.
“You know, in life you sometimes get people that you never thought you'd meet, and he is someone that, even if I'm going through whatever off the field, I can easily pick up the phone and call him, that's the relationship we have with him.
“He's a father figure, but obviously he's also a hard worker, he demands a lot – and when I say a lot, I mean it. We work very hard, and he believes hard work will show results, and he's a good guy to work with,” Bvuma concluded.
Mzoughi prides himself in hard work – Petersen
“A wonderful guy, a humble human being, and a nice guy to sit around and have a coffee and a nice chat with, but when it comes to working, we work,” the former Bidvest Wits keeper stated.
“I think he prides himself in hard work, and he always tells us that he wants his goalkeepers to be the best in the country, and he's very passionate about his work.
Everyday we get reminded of the fact that we are the best, and he always back us and believes in us, and as a goalkeeper it's a difficult position – especially at a team like Chiefs, but having someone that backs you is amazing.
“He's a character – when he's angry, he's angry, but when he's happy, he's happy. He loves supporting you and he loves people, and he's a joy to work with,” Petersen added.
