We could have done better as a team, says Kaizer Chiefs defender Miguel

Inácio Miguel is an honest footballer, and that’s why he feels the players, himself included, haven’t done enough to help Kaizer Chiefs this season.

Miguel arrived at Chiefs last winter and quickly demonstrated leadership qualities, which led to him being appointed one of the club’s vice-captains. His season, however, has been inconsistent, contributing to Chiefs missing out on the MTN8, Carling Knockout, and Betway Premiership titles.

They could still claim silverware if they beat arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday (kick-off 3.30pm).

Miguel and his teammates will head into that game on a low note after losing to Pirates in the league last Saturday — a result that further dented their morale. A win for Chiefs in the final would end their 10-year trophy drought, with their last silverware being the league title in 2015.

Despite the club’s significant investment in the squad — including signings such as Miguel — the return on that investment has yet to materialise.

Though they have reached the Nedbank Cup final, a competition in which Chiefs have traditionally excelled with 13 previous titles, their league form has been poor, as they sit ninth with just 30 points. Miguel is clearly dissatisfied with the current state of affairs, pointing out that reaching a final is not enough — especially if they lose it and still finish outside the top eight.

“We are a young squad with a lot of mature players, and the players understand that it’s not only about the coach (Nasreddine Nabi),” Miguel said.

“The coach gives us a lot of ideas — we play and we run. So, it's not just about the coach. It’s not only the coach’s decisions. We have to be honest and admit that what we did was not enough.

“It’s not pressure on the coach or about any individual. We have to be honest — we, the players, and I, Miguel, were not enough.”

Miguel missed Chiefs’ last two matches as he was sidelined with an injury, watching from the bench. But he says he’s now ready for the crucial clash on Saturday.

“I wanted to play even in the game against Marumo Gallants. Of course, there was the injury I picked up, so the coaches opted for load management,” Miguel said.

“They preferred to rest me and not use me in the games. And of course, maybe the yellow cards I had also influenced that decision.

“I’m still recovering and doing my rehab. But this week, there’s no time for doctors. I’ve already told them — I’m going straight onto the field to help the team.”

The absence of Miguel and his centre-back partner Rushwin Dortley has certainly been felt, but the Angola international acknowledges he could have contributed more.

“Personally, in some games, I could have done better. I know what I could have done, and I’m trying to help my teammates understand,” Miguel explained. “They can do better and improve. What we’ve done this season is really not enough as a team.”

Miguel and his teammates will have no margin for error when they face Pirates, and that’s why they need to be at their best from start to finish.

Miguel hasn’t been at his best with his tackling this season either, having received several cautions, including red cards. But he insists he’ll always put the team first.

“Not at all — I don’t regret my cautions. I would take the same cards again because the bookings were to help the team, not due to silly mistakes,” Miguel said.

“Sometimes, as a defender, I get exposed and I have to make a choice — the man, the ball, or both. You know, it’s tough to be a defender.

“If I have to do it again this weekend and the team wins the cup, there’ll be no second thought. I’ll always put the team first.”