Misfiring Chipolopolo striker Justin Shonga has received backing from his Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic.
Shonga, who has scored just two goals in 2019, has come under-fire from Pirates supporters; in-particular after his three glaring misses in Wednesday nights’ 2-0 home win over Black Leopards were he fired blanks in the full 90 minutes he played.
“Yes, misses have been there, but there are two roads – one, to put him in a hole and bury him, or to give him a hand,” Sredojevic said.
“Because I’m telling you now, if we are supposed to win anything, we need to appreciate the goals he has score in the past, the shape in which he is, and we need to stand with him.
“This is the difference between a supporter and a coach – supporters love players only if they are delivering, for us, they are our kids or players in good and bad. So, the power of coaching is exactly to extend a hand of support.
“It is very unfortunate that in several occasions he didn’t score, but I can assure you that all of us in the dressing room, including players and technical team, stand behind Shonga and each of our players, because for us they are the best in the world.”
Shonga has five league goals this season for the South African league leaders but last found the target on March 2 in a 1-0 away win over Golden Arrows.
His only other goal this year came on February 23 in a 4-1 home win over Amazulu.
Totally agree with Coach Milutin Sredojevic. Shonga has been good in the past and because of that Pirates are where they are now – South African league leaders.
However, Shonga also needs to take these concerns seriously; He needs to polish up his accuracy at goal and win the favour of supporters. SUPPORTERS CAN INDIRECTLY DESTROY A COACH OR A PLAYER. The owners of the clubs are there to please supporters because that is where they draw their income from apart from the advertising rights. If supporters are happy the stadia will always be full if not then the Shongas will be playing in empty stadia.
IF HE DOESN’T IMPROVE THEN DUE TO PRESSURE THE COACH WILL KEEP HIM ON THE BENCH WHERE HE WILL GET FRUSTRATED THEN ROT. We don’t want that for Shonga and mother Zambia.
Initially I was getting worried that may be this is another Xenophobic attack. You can’t trust MAJOZAS FROM JOBURG.
You are blowing hot air. Too much ntsima will damage your brain. Please eat real food.
how many times Shonga misses clear chances come on guys these our team we love it.Gabhuza ws doing the same we complain you tgrn kip him on the side now is Shonga you stand behind him bt you do dt to Gabhuza stop liaying Micho.
This is football time goes on,dont frustrated supporters try to encourage him guys.
He just scored a header
Comment:come on guys footbal is all bout playing good en scoring goals, if he is not scoring then he wil play a part of assistin