Kaizer Chiefs defender Sifiso Hlanti says head coach Arthur Zwane should not shoulder the blame for the club's haphazard results this season.
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Chiefs are still in the running for the Nedbank Cup, but their hopes of a CAF Champions League spot has all but vanished following their loss to Swallows FC on Monday.
Naturally, blame has been shifted to the club's head coach, who is accused by a faction of the fans for lacking the experience required to lead a team of Chiefs' calibre.
However, speaking to the media ahead of their Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates this Saturday, Hlanti says the players are aware that they need to shoulder some of the blame for the club's results as the ones who go out onto the field.
He also opened up on the pressure that comes with donning the gold and black of Amakhosi.
"We know the duty that we have as players. We chose to come and play for Kaizer Chiefs for a reason. We came to the team to add value, not just to be here and have fun. Yes, a game of football is only fun, happiness and joy. But all in all, it's all about us doing what we do best," he told journalists at the club's Naturena base.
"We also need to assist coaches by doing the right things. The mental strength as well, it has to be there. It can keep us in a positive space whereby we'll be able to do things in a better way because at the end of the day, we might point fingers but it's not gonna help because it's a team sport.
"For me, what matters the most is for us as players to be united, in difficult times, and good times because once you start worrying yourself with such things, you might feel you are not good enough but if you are strong mentally, whatever comes, you'll be able to deal with it," he continued.
A place in the Nedbank Cup final is at stake as Chiefs and Pirates go head-to-head at the FNB Stadium. Kick off is at 15:00.
