Deprecated: str_replace(): Passing null to parameter #3 ($subject) of type array|string is deprecated in /home/zbyiujsu/public_html/wp-content/plugins/jnews-social-share/class.jnews-initial-counter.php on line 40
Deprecated: str_replace(): Passing null to parameter #3 ($subject) of type array|string is deprecated in /home/zbyiujsu/public_html/wp-content/plugins/jnews-social-share/class.jnews-initial-counter.php on line 40
Deprecated: str_replace(): Passing null to parameter #3 ($subject) of type array|string is deprecated in /home/zbyiujsu/public_html/wp-content/plugins/jnews-social-share/class.jnews-initial-counter.php on line 40
Deprecated: str_replace(): Passing null to parameter #3 ($subject) of type array|string is deprecated in /home/zbyiujsu/public_html/wp-content/plugins/jnews-social-share/class.jnews-initial-counter.php on line 40
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Arthur Zwane issued a passionate response to claims the DStv Premiership title was won by Mamelodi Sundowns at the halfway stage of the season.
Zwane was subject to some banter from Sundowns supporters after stating the title race will go down to the wire which was followed by back-to-back defeats against Sekhukhune United and AmaZulu this month.
But he insists, if he had to go back to that moment he would say it again because it’s their truth in the situation, having been nine points behind after 14 games played.
“We’re running our own race and I remember saying it was going down to the wire, that time because I felt our chances – like any other coach,” Zwane said on Thursday.
“When you look at the coaches who said whatever they said, that the league is gone already, where were their teams? They were out obviously, so it was easy for them to say that.
“But for me and other coaches who stood a chance of challenging, we couldn’t say that – there’s no way I can be the head coach of Kaizer Chiefs and then give up and then what do I want?
“Why do I want to be the head coach of Kaizer Chiefs when I give up so easily, I can’t do that – yes it looks like Sundowns have taken it but we’re still not going to give up – this is football, I’ve seen things happen.”
The Amakhosi head coach went on to state there’s reference points that the title is not won in January or February with his side on the winning side and on the losing side in seasons gone by – and not due to teams capitulating through bad performances.
“I’ve seen Pirates leading Chiefs by 15 points and we went all the way to win the league, not because Pirates were bad… when we lost the league to Sundowns we had a 13-point lead and not because Chiefs were bad that time, things happen,” he added.
“So I can’t give up, I’m not putting myself under pressure and I’m not saying we’re going to win the league, all I’m saying was at that time.
“I had to say that as the head coach of Kaizer Chiefs, whoever was talking in position 15 and us who were in position four with a ten-point [deficit], we stood a chance of competition and for that matter we’re Chiefs, we play to win every game, but unfortunately the results have been fluctuating.”