Kaizer Chiefs defender Given Msimango has responded to criticism by some of the club legends that the current crop of players do not respect the ‘badge’.
The demand for Chiefs to end their nine-year trophy drought continues to intensify, placing significant pressure on the current players, including Msimango.
Following Chiefs’ unexpected elimination from the Nedbank Cup by lower-league side Milford FC over the weekend, the pressure on the squad to deliver silverware has further intensified.
While mathematically still possible, their pursuit of the DStv Premiership title appears increasingly challenging as the leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns, with a game in hand, are 17 points ahead of Chiefs. The latter have played 17 games.
In recent times, some of the former players at Amakhosi have come out to question the dedication of the current crop of players. These ex-stars include Jabu [Pule] Mahlangu, Junior Khanye, Mike Rapatsa and Tlou Molekwane.
WHY GIVEN MSIMANGO UNDERSTANDS CRITICISMS FROM FORMER PLAYERS
“Well with those statements going around the media, of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. They say this because they have done so well for the club in recent years,” said Msimango.
“So we respect that as players. We have come to an understanding that we are playing for a massive institution. We come out of a lot of criticism when things are not going well or we are not performing well which is understandable.
“You have to perform when you play for Kaizer Chiefs. You have to bring the results when you play for Kaizer Chiefs. So we understand where they are coming from and we understand the disappointment from the words that they are speaking in the media,” he added.
CHIEFS DEFENDER PLEADES FOR MORE BELIEF TO IN CURRENT PLAYERS
“But all we ask for is to maintain the hope, to maintain the belief in the current crop of players. It’s a new generation, we bring different skill sets to this club. Unfortunately, right now it may not seem so because the results are not coming or forthcoming.
“But when you look at our league performances they speak for themselves. I feel in that aspect we are doing very well as a team in terms of keeping those clean sheets. It’s one big positive from my side that I have picked up and we can build on that and fix up every other area of our game that we need to fix up and continue improving as a team.”
Amakhosi are back in action on Saturday in the league when they host Moroka Swallows at FNB Stadium.
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