Benson Mhlongo spent most of his career playing for Bidvest Wits, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
The defender spent a number of seasons at each club where he gained enormous insight into what makes a South African club and coach successful.
With Pirates struggling under caretaker coach Rulani Mokwena, Mhlongo has leapt to his defense.
Mhlongo wants the South African public to forget about petty "jealousy" and support local coaches. He also believes, instead of always importing coaches, we need to "grow our own" and give Mokwena more time to prove his worth.