Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs legend Patrick Mayo is doing his best to shift the blame off the coach and onto the players following a run of poor form.
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Amakhosi have lost three of their last five matches and needed extra-time to defeat lowly Tornado FC in their recent Nedbank Cup tie. Then on Wednesday, another blunder from goalkeeper Virgil Vries saw them lose to Cape Town City at home in the league.
As such, Mato believes it's hardly Ernst Middendorp's fault.
"We cannot always blame the coach because the players are the ones committing mistakes on the field of play and they will be under attack against Pirates if they do not improve," the former defender told Goal.
"I saw the game and the error by the goalkeeper. It is disappointing to be honest and I expected Vries to improve as he is getting regular game time.
"I think they need a good keeper on the level of Itumeleng Khune because he has left a huge gap in that defence. On the other hand, the defenders are also not vocal enough to ensure everyone remains focused.
"I always say they need to improve their communication, but it seems things are getting worse because they need to collect points and that game was all about getting a point if they fail to win."