Patrick Mayo: Kaizer Chiefs deserved to lose to Orlando Pirates

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Patrick Mayo has lashed out at the Amakhosi defence for conceding soft goals against Orlando Pirates as they were booted out of the Telkom Knockout Cup tournament.

Mayo believes there is no leader at the back for the Glamour Boys whilst urging coach Giovanni Solinas to have a strong character when it comes to player management to ensure there is discipline in the team following the 2-1 defeat in Durban.

“I don't think Chiefs deserved to win that match in my opinion because the defence was in shambles. I remember telling you that Mario Booysen would bring experience in the team, but he was not there on Saturday,” Mayo told Goal.

“I had hoped that he would lead the team against Pirates, but his mistakes were very costly and childish to cost the team. I think he should have cleared that ball which led to the first goal,” he noted.

“Secondly (Siyabonga) Ngezana should have covered to clear the ball after (Vincent) Pule's pass into the box and at least concede a corner, but he is inexperienced and will learn from such mistakes,” said the legend.

“Their mistakes and decision making allowed (Thembinkosi) Lorch to score because he noticed Rama (Ramahlwe Mphahlele) was not going to block his path,” added the ex-Bafana Bafana player.

In his post match interview, skipper Itumeleng Khune questioned his teammates' fighting spirit as they succumbed to their second Soweto Derby defeat in all competitions this season, but Mayo has heaped praise on the other departments.

“I don't think it's certain departments that failed to rise to the occasion, but the defence. The midfield and the strikers did their job, but the goals are purely because of an erratic and disorganised defence,” he continued.

“There is no leader, no communication and (Eric) Mathoho was needed to marshal that defence because you can't have all your defence relying on Khune to be vocal as if they have a lolly pop in their mouths,” rued Mayo.

Moreover, the Port Elizabeth-based legend said the Italian coach is now under pressure and their chances of lifting a trophy are diminishing as the season progresses.

“Khune can save the team to a certain extent and I don't think they can challenge for domestic trophies. They can just focus on reaching the top eight because they are out of the race to win the league,” responded the former striker.

“The coach is too soft for my liking and they will not even go very far in the Nedbank Cup. Let's be honest Chiefs are not convincing at all,” lamented the ex-Mthatha Bucks player.

“Chiefs is too big for Solinas and an apology is not enough to the supporters, yes you can apologise after losing to the so called small teams, but not against Pirates on two occasions because we all know the rivalry between the two clubs,” said the lanky legend.

'He is too nice to the players, he must be harsh and ensure they take responsibility because his job is on the line now – he is under pressure now to be honest,” he concluded.