Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef condemned the pre-match disorder in the Soweto derby and insisted his side did enough to win.
Kick-off was pushed back twice, while scuffles during the warm-up forced Chiefs players to leave the field briefly before returning to complete their preparations.
Ben Youssef said the incidents reflected poorly on a fixture watched across the world.
“I’m not from South Africa, but I know how many people watch this game,” he said.
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“What happened before the match is something we cannot accept. It sends a bad message about our football. People are waiting to see the game, not that.”
He also raised concerns over safety during the build-up.
“It is about safety. People came onto the field and there was contact with players during the warm-up. That cannot happen.”
Watch: Soweto derby highlights
Turning to the match itself, Ben Youssef said his side executed their plan and managed Pirates’ attacking threats.
“We knew where they are strong, especially in the spaces between the lines, so we tried to control that,” he said.
“It was a physical first half, but we competed well and showed good organisation.”
He added that Chiefs created the better opportunities after the break and felt the result did not reflect the performance.
“I’m not happy with the result. I think we deserved to win,” he said.
“In these games, one mistake can cost you, and that is what happened.”
Photo: Zamani Makautsi/Gallo Images
