Kaizer Chiefs senior players are letting them down after their latest setback.
The 4-0 drubbing Chiefs suffered at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns left fans and analysts questioning the performance of the team’s young players. While some pointed fingers at the inexperienced members of the squad, football agent Makaab and Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi agree on one critical point: blaming the youngsters is unfair and misguided.
Mngqithi warns against putting too much pressure on youngsters
After the heavy loss, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi voiced concern over the pressure placed on Kaizer Chiefs’ young players. He cautioned that placing the weight of a club like Chiefs on their shoulders too early could be detrimental to their development. Mngqithi remarked, “I don’t want to sound bad, but I think the youngsters that Kaizer Chiefs has brought into their first team are very good boys. But the biggest mistake that you can make with those young players is to put the load of a team as big as Kaizer Chiefs on their shoulders.”
Mngqithi’s words sparked mixed reactions on social media, but they highlight a common sentiment: Young players need time to develop, especially when thrust into high-pressure situations.
Echoing Mngqithi’s concerns, Mike Makaab highlighted the dangers of overburdening young players, especially when the team is struggling for consistency. Makaab, a long-time advocate for youth development, stated on Gagasi FM: “Look, I have always been an advocate of playing young players, because the only way young players develop is if they, in my opinion, are thrown into the deep end… but there is a time and place to throw them in.”
Makaab went on to give an example from Orlando Pirates, where coach Jose Riveiro slowly integrated Rele Mofokeng into the first team. This measured approach allowed Mofokeng to gain valuable experience without overwhelming him. Makaab emphasised that “It’s very difficult to bring in a group of youngsters when the team is still struggling to find its rhythm and consistency.”
Real culprits: Senior players let Chiefs down
Despite acknowledging that mistakes will happen when young players are put under pressure, Makaab was clear in his assessment of the 4-0 defeat. He stated, “It was not the youngsters who let Kaizer Chiefs down. People talk about that ball from Samkelo Zwane that led to the penalty – sure, I accept that. There are gonna be mistakes made by young players who don’t have that experience of pressure situations. However, take away that [mistake by Zwane], the players that let Chiefs down were the senior players.”
Makaab’s analysis shifts the blame away from the youth and directly onto the senior players, who, according to him, failed to step up when it mattered most.
As Kaizer Chiefs look to bounce back from their crushing defeat, the advice from both Mngqithi and Makaab is clear: the club must manage the development of their young players more carefully. It’s not enough to rely on them to carry the team; experienced players need to lead, guide, and support them through the challenges of top-flight football.
While the likes of Zwane and other young stars may have a bright future at Chiefs. A balanced approach is essential for their long-term success. As Makaab wisely notes, “There’s a time and place to throw them in,” and it’s crucial that Chiefs get this balance right to avoid further disappointments on the field.
Stay tuned with The South African as Mike Makaab believes that the Kaizer Chiefs senior players are to blame.
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