Cape Town - Chippa United coach Dan Malesela has leapt to the defence of Paseka Mako after his below-par display in the 4-1 drubbing against Cape Town City.
Bongolethu Jayiya netted a 15-minute hat-trick on Monday evening, with Mako evidently struggling to contain his pace and power from the right wing.
The 22-year-old wing-back was targeted by Eric Tinkler's side with good effect due to his attack-minded style of play, often exposing his lack of defensive positional sense.
However, Malesela feels the South Africa youth international's qualities has shone through in his debut season in the Premiership and should not be slated for one indifferent performance.
"No player becomes a bad player after just one game," Malesela told the club's official website.
"I am not the one to judge a player after just one performance.
"He (Paseka) had done very well for us until the Cape Town City game. He has come up against some of the best wingers in the league, and not once he was shaken.
"It was not his day on Monday, and that happens in football."
Mako has featured 18 times for the Chilli Boys this season, registering two assists.