AmaZulu head coach Pablo Franco has defended out-of-form Veli Mothwa after his costly mistake in Usuthu’s 2-1 loss to Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium last Saturday.
With the score level at 1-1 in the dying minutes of the match, Mothwa failed to secure a high ball inside his box, which led to City scoring a second goal and winning the game.
A costly mistake by Veli Mothwa. Probably hasn’t gotten over that Bafana Bafana mistake.
— Karabo Selebalo Phasha (@TheeSportsGuy01) September 14, 2024
Needs an arm around his shoulder & rest him for a few games. Truly needs a rest & HUGE support.
pic.twitter.com/JtBoyvWt1O
Mothwa also struggled in Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers against Uganda at the Orlando Stadium two weeks ago.
However, Franco has defended the 33-year-old, saying it was a clear mistake, adding that attacking players also had their share of mistakes during the game.
"Everybody saw what happened at that last goal, and it’s clear that it was a mistake. But we also made so many mistakes with our attacking players and in the end, it’s the same value when you are conceding a goal and when you are not scoring.
“So sometimes I think you guys (journalists) are a little bit unfair. But I understand that it sells more newspapers, and people pay more attention to social media when you post about these things,” Franco said as per FARPost.
AmaZulu had a dismal campaign in the premiership last season finishing in 11th place in the league table and they have backed themselves to at least finish in the top four this season.
However, things will not get any easier for the KwaZulu Natal-based side as they will lock horns against high-flying Kaizer Chiefs in their next Betway Premiership encounter at the Moses Mabhida Stadium next week Wednesday.
IOL Sport