This comment seemed to critique the senior, more experienced players who have at times struggled to prevent defeats.
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Former Amakhosi defender Thabang Rooi believes the coach's words were accurate and should be seen positively by both senior players and young talents. Rooi, now based in Vanderbijlpark, told Soccer Laduma in an exclusive interview that coaches need to be blunt and open to ignite the fighting spirit in their players.
"You know in football it's good to have honest coaches like Pitso Mosimane and Muhsin Ertugral as they help build the team. And I think the coach (Youssef) was being honest and in so doing helping the whole team. It's good to say that because it provokes the senior players to pull up their socks and work hard and give the young players the confidence and courage to keep going and at the end of the day it helps the team perform. It's a very good tactic if the players understand what the coach meant," Rooi told the Siya crew.
Rooi also emphasized the importance of encouraging young players, who have often rescued the team this season.
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"If you look at young players like Mdu Shabalala, Wandile Duba, Mfundo Vilakazi, Samkelo Zwane, Rushwin Dortley and Bradley Cross, what they have been doing for the team, then you can understand what the coach meant. In many games this season these youngsters have carried the team on their shoulders and that shows they are part of the team and they know what it means to play for Kaizer Chiefs. So it's good for the coach to compliment them in such a manner as it gives them confidence to continue doing well," Rooi concluded.
Chiefs will face Free Agents FC in the Nedbank Cup round of 32 on Sunday, 26 January, at FNB Stadium.
