Kaizer Chiefs coach explains why Flavio Silva was absent | OneFootball

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Ben Youssef on Silva's absence

Photo: Darren Stewart/ Gallo Images

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has shed light on why Flavio Silva was absent in the recent matchday squads, despite making notable impact in the final third.

The 29-year-old center-forward had last featured in the one-all draw with AmaZulu before the previous FIFA international break, with his absence raising eyebrows.

Upon his return to the team, Silva came off the bench to score a late winner that ensured Amakhosi claim maximum points over Durban City on Friday, much to the delight of Ben Youssef.

“For us we need him to score he's a striker. We have Silva, we have [Wandile] Duba, we have Ashley [Du Preez], we have [Tashreeq] Morris, we have [Etiosa] Ighodaro - all of them are fighting for one position,” said the Tunisian mentor.

"I think the most important thing with strikers, their lives is scoring goals. I'm so happy for Silva, it's the second game he comes from the bench and scores.

On the player's omission from the matchday squad, the well-travelled tactician revealed that Silva was suffering from minor injuries that kept him out of contention.

“After the Golden Arrows game he got a short injury, so he was out. Now he is back with us and even last game he got a short injury before MD-1, it was a headache,” Ben Youssef added.

"So, he wasn't available for us for the cup game, now he is back. He will start step by step but the most important thing is that he scored.

Silva, who put pen to paper on a two-year deal with an option to extend by a further 12 months at Naturena, has scored three goals in six games across all competitions.