Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, both experiencing a recent dip in form, have come under mounting criticism from fans in recent weeks over contentious squad selections.
Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef cut a frustrated figure when pressed about the continued absence of promising youngsters Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman.
Across town, Pirates mentor Abdeslam Ouaddou has also come under scrutiny for his faith in Yanela Mbuthuma and Kamohelo Sebelebele, as well as the inclusion of captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, who missed a crucial penalty in the Buccaneers’ Nedbank Cup defeat to Casric Stars.
Amakhosi’s recent dip in form has intensified the debate as the team endured successive defeats to Stellenbosch FC — first in the Nedbank Cup and then in the Betway Premiership.
Frustrated supporters have questioned both selections and substitutions, highlighting the delayed debut of Ethan Chislett, who made his first appearance seven months after his arrival, and the continued absence of left-back Nkanyiso Shinga, who is yet to feature since joining at the start of the season.
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Accusations of favouritism have circulated among sections of the fanbase, but Pirates legend and Hollywoodbets ambassador Jerry Skhosana believes such criticism misses the bigger picture.
“Fans will say anything,” Skhosana explained. “When key players such as Mbatha miss matches, supporters react without knowing the reasons — whether it’s tactical preference, injury, or something else behind the scenes. Those are factors that usually lead to the coach being blamed.
“For me, it’s not fair to accuse coaches of unfair selection. That oversimplifies the situation. Teams naturally go through inconsistent patches, especially when players are unavailable, or confidence takes a knock after disappointing results.”
Skhosana added that coaches are often the most visible figures at a club and, therefore, the easiest targets when performances dip. However, he stressed that underlying factors — including injuries, tactical tweaks and squad balance — often play a bigger role than the public realises.