Fernandez came off his line to collect a pass but a mix-up between the goalie and his defenders forced him to punch at the ball. Santos striker Carlo Scott struck Fernandez mistimed clearance into an empty net.

Gert Schalkwyk put the visitors in the lead a minute earlier.

Fernandez though believes that the criticism will go a long way in helping his game. “I really don’t mind if the press has a go at me when I make a mistake because you have to accept this, it is a part of the game,” a reasonable Fernandez said.

“As long as criticism is constructive and will help improve my game in some way I have no problem with it, but if it gets personal then I don’t appreciate it,” he said sternly.

The Chiefs number one keeper is also of the opinion that that praise should be given when players perform well. “Like I said, criticise me when I make a mistake but also give praise when I do something right. On Wednesday I made a mistake and I did make it up going head on for attackers which resulted in me being trampled upon and getting bruised. I had to limp off the field but there was no mention of that,” Fernandez said matter-of-factly.

Chiefs went on to win the game courtesy of a Schalwyk brace and a Patrick Mayo goal.

A clean sheet against Moroka Swallows on Saturday will augur well for Fernandez’s abilities and will surely increase Chiefs lead at the top of the Castle Premiership log. The Mighty Amakhosi has 45 points, one more than Sundowns and three more than Orlando Pirates.

A win for Chiefs will increase the gap for the two league title-chasing teams as they are on African Champions League duty this weekend.

by Yusuf Muhammed

edited by Shahied Joseph