Patrick Mayo: Chiefs were 'let down by their centre backs'

Cape Town - Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Patrick Mayo has given his assessment of the clash between his former employers and Mamelodi Sundowns, saying the club's two central defenders are a cause for concern.

Masandawana ran out 2-1 winners at FNB Stadium on Saturday in a closely contested battle that was decided by Lebohang Maboe's late goal.

In the wake of the result much was made of goalkeeper Virgil Vries' error that led to the match-winner, but Mayo reckons the centre-back pairing of Daniel Cardoso and Mario Booysen did not offer the Namibia international enough protection.

Reflecting on coach Middendorp's choice of personnel for the crunch clash, Mayo told Goal.com website: "The only problem at Chiefs is the defence. They played very well, but they were let down by their centre backs.

"I still believe that Daniel (Cardoso) and Mario (Booysen) are quiet and that position needs someone who is vocal and able to organize.

"The left and right back positions are good, and I am still confused why Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya was used in a wrong position. However, he played well under the conditions.

"I also believe the first goal was (Godfrey) Walusimbi's fault despite many people blaming Willard Katsande for failing to close down Laffor. Katsande had to try and cover up because the defence was exposed."

And Mayo feels the withdrawal of Katsande was a crucial moment in the match which allowed Sundowns gain the upper hand in the latter stages.

He added: "Sundowns had to sit back because Chiefs were playing well until Katsande was taken off. I think that was when Sundowns started to play and they managed to score their second goal.

"On the other hand, Middendorp should have started with Bernard (Parker), who would have caused all sorts of troubles for Sundowns.

"I think Castro and Billiat played well and they were not just proving a point, but I think the coach should have deployed a 4-3-3 formation and go all out."