Kaizer Chiefs vice-captain Inacio Miguel has addressed the frustration from supporters at the Calabash, where the defender has found himself jeered at times – when slowing the tempo from the back.
Miguel has increasingly taken responsibility for initiating attacks from his centre-back position, but there have been moments when his decision to pause and retain possession has not been well received by sections of the Chiefs support.
However, the Angola international insists there is often a tactical reason behind his decision to take the sting out of the game, particularly when Chiefs are facing an opponent capable of punishing rushed decisions.
“I can understand the frustrations of the supporters, sometimes they want things to happen very quick, you know, but first of all I have orders to follow by the coach,” Miguel said.
“Sometimes we have a game plan where sometimes we are not supposed to play so quick.”
The 29-year-old explained that slowing the game down can also allow Chiefs to reorganise themselves and ensure his teammates are positioned correctly before the next phase of play.
“Sometimes it’s important to make the team be organised, to understand where my teammates are. Are they ready to play, are they not ready to play? So obviously it’s part of the game,” he added.
“It’s part of the tactics. I can understand the frustrations, they want us to score as soon as possible — we also want that.
“But it’s not like that in every single game.”
Miguel pointed specifically to Chiefs’ meeting with African champions Mamelodi Sundowns as an example of why patience can be crucial.
The Glamour Boys are preparing for another demanding encounter against the reigning CAF Champions League winners, with Miguel warning that rushing the game against a side of Sundowns’ quality can ultimately play into their hands.
“Especially, for example, the game against Sundowns — if you try to rush things, Sundowns can also get in the mood and you will fight against them,” he explained.
“Sometimes it’s important to cool down. It’s part of the game, it’s part of the tactics.
“But I can’t say I don’t understand the frustration of supporters. They want us to play to win, of course.”
The two sides meet on Satuday afternoon at FNB Stadium for a top of the table clash (15h00).