A question from a KickOff journalist following Marumo Gallants' 4-1 hammering by Mamelodi Sundowns saw head coach Dan Malesela getting hot under the collar, pleading with the Fourth Estate to apply more empathy when writing about coaches facing the axe.
Gallants are the only team to have played three matches and losing all three so far, having lost to Kaizer Chiefs, Golden Arrows and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Prior to the clash against The Brazilians, KickOff reported that Malesela was on the edge regarding his role at the club, as another defeat would pile more misery.
READ: 'Chiefs managed the game well'
The ex-Baroka FC mentor poured cold water on rumours that he could be relieved of his duties after a 4-1 drubbing by Sundowns.
"You know South African football, some of these things are triggered by us raising them because we're also guilty of encouraging these things. Why do we always think when someone loses three matches, then something is going to happen?" Malesela asked in the post-match press conference.
"But who would not be encouraged to say, 'Surely this team won't be relegated or anything like that', we're going to come back. If those few supporters sitting behind the goals are encouraged, they are not disgruntled and they are still singing, they are still clapping, who are we not to be encouraged?
"Why do you want to start a new chapter? Is the team playing bad? Is the team not looking like a team that can win matches? It is a team that can win matches. Why do you start panicking? If we panic, it's another story.
"I saw an article, by the way from your publication, KickOff [pointing at senior journalist Ernest Fakude]. There were two articles I saw. One was saying something in the mud, I think... I'm 'swimming in the mud'. The other one said I'm threading on very thin ice. When you play two matches and you write an article [about] threading on thin ice, where do you get the story? Why do we do this?" Malesela continued to probe.
READ: 'Why are they the ones chosen to wear the Pirates jersey?'
"Why do we like a situation where people are being fired? Because it looks like there is some fun. You can see even the article, when the coach is being released, the article does not come out nice, you will see it. 'Fired!' They won't say you are 'released'or say nice words. For me, it's a pity."
Gallants visit AmaZulu on Saturday, before a month-long recess due to the MTN8 final and the FIFA break.
As things stand, this publication has been led to believe that Malesela has a stay of execution at least until after the game against Usuthu, before any official reviews are made.
KickOff stands by our story and we will be keeping you updated on Malesela's tricky situation at Gallants.