'He was the most effective player' - Ntseki defends under-fire Chiefs attacker

Head coach Molefi Ntseki praised attacker Christian Saile as Kaizer Chiefs' "most effective player" despite being held to a goalless draw by Chippa United in their DStv Premiership opener at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.

Chiefs enjoyed most of the possession with 53% of the ball compared to their opponents but registered just three shots on target to the Chilli Boys' four shots at goal.

READ | Ntseki wants Chiefs to improve after stalemate

Saile received the brunt of a section of the home fans' disapproval with Ntseki keen to defend the Congolese attacker after the final whistle.

"I think all the players registered with the club, we have to protect them, and in protecting them we have to get the best from each of them," Ntseki said post-match.

"Then they have to play well as a team, then when they play well as a team I think the supporters will obviously be behind the team. But if one player has got a bad game it is the responsibility of us as the technical team to help him so that he can also enjoy the game.

"If you don't enjoy playing the game, that is when the concentration levels begin to go down and when that happens, you end up making silly mistakes.

"I think with his (Saile) performance today, I think he was the most dangerous player we had on the pitch, except for those decisions of giving away the ball or not converting those chances.

"But he was the most effective player we had on the pitch. I think even at half-time he was given that confidence to say 'you are doing well, the only thing that has to happen is for you to assist or score,' but I think he carried himself very well."

Next for Chiefs is a titanic encounter against DStv Premiership defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday.

Kick-off is at 15:00.

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