Zambian coach and former Kaizer Chiefs striker, Wedson Nyirenda implored fans not to boo Amakhosi players and coach Arthur Zwane because the team is trying to rebuild.
With Chiefs fans back in huge numbers at the stadiums, seeking positive results from the team, fans wasted little time in getting their voices heard from the stands.
The Chiefs supporters started to sing songs criticizing forward Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana lately. This was after the player struggled to score in the past few games and also booed Zwane after the 3-2 defeat to Golden Arrows at the Peter Mokaba Stadium recently. That did not go down well with the former Baroka FC coach.
“Kaizer Chiefs supporters are supposed to provide support to their players, and that is what makes them the 12th player. But you know, supporters are more emotional than any other stakeholder of this game,” Nyirenda told ThisIsFootball.Africa
“It’s fine, they are free to criticise as that would give some check on the team. But booing never builds a player. There are some mentally weak players who cannot take it, instead they break.”
However, Nyirenda, who claimed a maiden Telkom Knockout title for Baroka in 2018, understands Chiefs players must give their best as expected, and he believes the booing will come to an end when the team starts winning trophies.
“Players vying to play for Chiefs must wear steel skin. Otherwise, it wouldn’t work for them. Chiefs are a serial cup and league winning brand. But this has not been the case in the past six or so years,” he said.
“And that has put everyone under pressure. Any below-par performance is warranting so much scolding. Hence, making it so difficult for players and coaches.
“When Chiefs start collecting some silverware, it shall be a relief to all players and coaches because the supporters will have something to boast about.”
Since winning the 2014-15 Premier Soccer League title, Amakhosi have not won any silverware. The Glamour Boys welcome in-form Motsepe Foundation Championship side Casric Stars on Sunday evening at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg in the Nedbank Cup last 16 round.
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