A former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper has leapt to the defense of the club's current No.1, Bruce Bvuma as criticism amounts regarding his performance in the DStv Premiership match against Mamelodi Sundowns.
On Thursday at FNB Stadium, Bvuma and his leaky defence let in five goals.
Chiefs lost 5-1, a result that saw the visitors being officially confirmed as the 2023/24 season champions, their seventh title in a row.
READ: League crowning frustration for Yellow Nation
"It's a pity that goalkeepers are separated from the rest of the team every time it goes bad," Shongwe notes, speaking to KickOff.
"Nothing happens to the goalkeeper that the rest of the team hasn't failed to deal with.
"The goalkeeper's failures are the team's failures, the ball gets into the goalkeeper's area because it is allowed by the rest of the team.
"Last night, yes, Chiefs were a man down, but also, they just dropped their heads completely after the first two goals," adds the current SuperSport TV analyst.
Shongwe refuses to agree with those who say Bvuma had a hand in the Soweto giants conceding an avalanche of goals on the night.
"I understand that a Kaizer Chiefs type of goalkeeper must make a difference even when his teammates let him down, but yesterday it was too much.
"The team was in tatters.
"They were just going through the motions, a shadow of what they were in the first half.
"I don't know whether it was because of tiredness or Sundowns just got too good.
"And Bvuma can only do so much. He's been there at Chiefs long enough to convince people that he has done enough to be considered one of the good goalkeepers.
READ: Mayo credits Riveiro for Pirates turnaround
"But the thing is the team is a man down, the team is nowhere, and as a result, as a goalkeeper you suddenly find yourself standing on your own.
"It's easy to blame the goalkeeper, believe me. I have been there and done that, I know what it's like to be let down."
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click HERE to register!