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Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has downplayed Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt's comments about the scourge of foreign coaches in the PSL.
Hunt lashed out at PSL clubs for opting for foreign coaches instead of local ones even if the latter are more qualified and praised Orlando Pirates for 'sticking their neck out' and opting for young homegrown talent at the helm in the form of Rulani Mokwena.
"When I started, a foreigner came to this country and had an English accent and got a job," said the Clever Boys tactician.
"Then we had Brazilians. Moroka Swallows had a beach soccer coach once.
"I mean, are you crazy? What are you doing, having a laugh or what? Then there’s electricians and fishermen. Whatever.
"We’ve got to believe in our own. I got given a chance and did my apprenticeship for four years in the first division. And then I got given a chance to find my way through and battled it.
"A guy like Rulani, give the man a chance. I am sure his preparation is good. I give credit to Pirates for sticking their neck out to say 'don’t bring another one in here'. Even guys with funny, fake CVs get a job when we have capable coaches here.
"I am old, but there’s young guys and we need more of them. When a guy shows great potential, give them a chance. But then they have to win football matches. I am excited about where we are going with the football, but let’s not bring in the plumbers."
Middendorp was asked for a response to the comments made by Hunt after the 2-0 victory over AmaZulu at King Zwelithini Stadium on Tuesday and seemed to suggest that the Students' mentor's comments were uncalled for.
"It's not usual you know to talk about barbers, fishermen and whatever," said the Amakhosi mentor.
"Let's talk about the game, the game facing the facts, what happens there in moments if you are in ball possession, if you are working against the ball, what happens in transition in both directions, that's what it is and the rest is something for the public."
