Chiefs lacked depth, composure, direction and didn't want to take responsibility

Kaizer Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic claims his team's senior players were afraid to take the penalty that could have salvaged a point against Golden Arrows on Wednesday night.

Amakhosi lost 1-2, but had the opportunity to equalise when they were awarded a controversial penalty at the death.

Vermezovic says the seasoned campaigners in the team baulked at the responsibility and shifted it to "the youngest guy on the field", 22-year-old George Lebese, who shot wide.

"I'm very, very disappointed that none of the senior players wanted to take the penalty because they were afraid," 'VV' says.


"Normally 'Shabba' shoots penalties and also [Bernard] Parker, but Parker wasn't there because he came off … in life you have to take responsibility and I'm very disappointed because the senior guys didn't do it.

"George Lebese was at that moment the youngest guy on the field and he had to take responsibility and I'm very disappointed because of that," he says.

Vermezovic admitted, though, that Arrows were full value for their three points.

"We couldn't find a solution for their midfield in the first half and they penetrated very well. We conceded two stupid goals from set pieces. We knew that, but we didn't react well from the thrown-in and the corner that resulted in their goals.

"The second half was better, but it was not good enough … Maybe my players underestimated Golden Arrows," he says.

The Serbian also hinted that he would haul his players over the coals following the defeat to explain the "worst" performance in the first half.

"I understand that anybody can have a bad day, but not without running and fighting. I saw a couple of players who were pulling out of a challenge. I don't know why they played like that and we will discuss that," he says.