Benni McCarthy says Kaizer Chiefs should not be punished for being unable to fulfill two recent DStv Premiership fixtures.
As many as 36 Amakhosi players and staff were confirmed to have contracted Covid-19 over the past few weeks.
They were therefore unable to face Cape Town City last Saturday or Golden Arrows on Wednesday.
Speaking ahead of his side’s away tie with Chippa United, the AmaZulu head coach explained that the “players’ safety is far more important than a football match”.
He said on IOL: “Kaizer Chiefs have been unfortunate that the pandemic spread throughout the whole team.
“Rightfully so, they can’t be expected to put out their MDC team or a team with an insufficient number of players.
“I hope that the right thing is done and that Chiefs don’t get punished for something that’s happening throughout the world.
“We have to show compassion because at the end of the day the players’ safety is far more important than a football match.”
McCarthy added: “If teams follow the protocols, I don’t see why games may have to be cancelled. We are professional and every team is trying to keep their players fit and healthy while also trying to keep them from getting Covid.”