Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs defender Teenage Hadebe says "everyone is doing their best" in training as Amakhosi look to tighten up at the back after being knocked out of the CAF Confederation Cup.
The Soweto giants were unable to book their place in the group stages of the competition as they suffered a 5-2 aggregate defeat to Zambian outfit Zesco United.
And, after conceding five goals over two legs, Chiefs players are acutely aware that fans are expecting more clean sheets from the team.
"At the back we just need to keep it simple, keep clean sheets, because the fans are complaining that we are conceding, but that's how football is," Hadebe is quoted as saying by TimesLIVE website.
Chiefs have a wealth of options in defence, with coach Ernst Middendorp able to call on Hadebe, Lorenzo Gordinho, Daniel Cardoso, Mario Booysen, Mulomowandau Mathoho and Siyabonga Ngezana.
Hadebe feels that the competition for places in defence will only serve to bring the best out of players.
"Regarding the competition, it's good for us. For us to play at our best, we have to work hard and face the challenge," he explained.
"That's what we are doing at training, everyone is doing their best. We are also not jealous of one another, we support whoever's playing."
When asked if he was happy with his level of involvement this season, the Zimbabwe international added: "For sure, I'm happy this time that I'm getting game time. It's a good improvement for me."
Next up for Chiefs is a clash with Tornado FC in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32, at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on Sunday afternoon.