Arthur Zwane has come to the defence of club captain and goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune amid criticism over Kaizer Chiefs' shock loss to Swallows on Monday.
Chiefs' ambitions for a second-place finish are hanging by a thread after suffering 2-1 defeat to a spirited Swallows side at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
On the day, Khune returned to action for the first time since January, stepping in for suspended Brandon Petersen.
Swallows are playing on the front foot today ??
— SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) May 1, 2023
The lead again against Chiefs courtesy of Bongani Sam ??#DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/c1qnKCX62W
Although The 35-year-old shot stopper has drawn criticism from sections of supporters over conceding two on his return, Zwane has insisted that the whole squad is to blame.
"Khune did well," declared Zwane.
"He made some brilliant saves in the game but unfortunately conceded two goals. They were not his fault."
"The defence should have done better. Unfortunately, we didn't defend properly. In fact, before they scored, he made a great save. So, I think he did very well but collectively, as a team, we could have done better."
The loss to Swallows leaves Chiefs in fourth position on the DStv Premiership log table behind SuperSport United, Orland Pirates and league winners Mamelodi Sundowns.
"Obviously, it is bad," Zwane added.
"We gave away points in games that we shouldn't have. This is one of those games. When you look back, we lost games that we shouldn't have, when we were in control and created chances and then conceded goals. Then, it's back to the drawing board again."
READ | Chiefs' season 'one to forget' laments Zwane
The Glamour Boys' alternative route for continental football also rests in the Nedbank Cup, where lifting the trophy will earn them a place in next season's CAF Confederations Cup.
Chiefs are set to host Pirates in the semi-final of the Nedbank Cup on Saturday at FNB Stadium.
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