Chiefs booked their place in the continental competition after a 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United on Sunday, which confirmed a third-place finish in the Betway Premiership. It marks a second consecutive season in Africa's second-tier club tournament.
Speaking after the match, Ben Youssef stressed that qualification was the minimum standard expected from a club of Chiefs' stature.
"I think a lot of times we said that the minimum that we can do this season is to be in the top three, so that we can play again in CAF," said Ben Youssef.
"For a team that is one of the biggest in South Africa and Africa, this is the minimum that we can do. At least for now, we have qualified for CAF next season. Congratulations to the fans, the board, the technical team and the players. It's not only our work, but a lot of people behind the scenes."
Ben Youssef, working alongside co-head coach Cedric Kaze, has helped steady Chiefs' season after a difficult run of results earlier in the campaign threatened to derail their ambitions.
The Soweto giants have since improved significantly, winning six of their last ten league matches, drawing three and losing just one. They currently sit third on the table with 51 points.
Chiefs will look to build on their strong finish when they face AmaZulu FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday in their penultimate league fixture.
