KNOCK, KNOCK, WHO’S THERE (IN THE SEMIS)?

To be honest, there is no better time for revenge than meeting Orlando Pirates in the Telkom Knockout semi-finals! Yes, the majority of us were expecting a Soweto Derby in the final and what I like about this draw is that one of the Soweto teams will be in the finals! Congratulations to Baroka FC for their progression. Also why is it that almost everybody is making unnecessary noise about Itumeleng Khune’s yellow card, with some claiming that he was supposed to be red-carded? People, referee Daniel Bennett was right to give him a yellow card. The ball was not in an attacking player’s possession to guarantee him a scoring opportunity, so Khune used his experience to block him. Ofentse Kakapa Mahatlhe, Schweizer-Reneke

What a hard-fought victory against SuperSport United. Ramahlwe Mphahlele, who happens to be my least favourite player rescued Kaizer Chiefs with a stunning goal, which enabled our beloved team to proceed to the semis of the TKO. Amakhosi are still reeling from the league defeat suffered at the hands of the Sea Robbers, thus most fans welcomed the toss that pitted these great clubs against each other in the semi-final. Sadly, my overview of the situation at Chiefs, especially with a special mention to the rearguard, would sound a bit pessimistic because Orlando Pirates’ strike force is of great quality and our defenders may yet again fail to contain them. But time will tell, I suppose. Loward Ziga-Khosa, Nkuri-Tomu Well done to Baroka FC for upsetting former African champions and defending league champions Mamelodi Sundowns. I was so happy because I saw it coming, but many people mistrusted my prediction. It is not easy to beat Limpopo teams, especially for the Big Three. Bakgaga made all of us from Limpopo proud and I hope they will go all the way to the final and maybe even win the trophy. It would be a good thing if a so-called small team lifts the Telkom Knockout trophy. Good luck Bakgaga Ba Ga-Mphahlele and all the best against Bidvest Wits. Nemusunda Mmboniseni, Lion Park

Maybe one should commence with the fact that Kaizer Chiefs claimed SuperSport United’s scalp after many unsuccessful attempts in almost three seasons. It’s a nice way for our boys to redeem themselves in our eyes as the club’s fans. However, my wish is for Chiefs to get past the next hurdle in the form of Orlando Pirates and go all the way to annex the coveted silverware. Well, Giovanni Solinas has shown that coaching is not his strong point, so our boys must take it upon themselves to salvage the team’s pride once and for all. Cognisance of the playing personnel at our disposal, Chiefs’ once famous “Operation Teka Hinkwaswo” is within reach and could be easily resuscitated, starting with the Telkom Knockout. All it could take is to believe in ourselves, but Willard Katsande must avoid taking penalties in open play. Owen Mafukele, Nkuri-Tomu

Two Tshwane teams are down and out and two Soweto giants progress to the semis of the TKO. It’s time to redeem and bring back the bragging rights that have been leaning on the side of Tshwane. Siyabonga Nkalambela, Delft

I am pleading with the PSL to give Victor Gomes a nod to officiate the game between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in the Telkom Knockout semi-final. We don’t want referees who are taking sides like the one who was officiating in the league derby where Chiefs were denied a clear penalty although the referee was close to the incident and, within 10 minutes, gave Pirates a penalty. Luvuyo Zideba, Cape Town

Big ups to all the teams that went through to the semi-finals of the TKO. Kaizer Chiefs won the game – however, we still have loopholes at the back. The transfer window is opening soon and the recalling of Lorenzo Gordinho is of paramount importance. We need his strength at the back. He has grown as a player and his potential and capabilities are there for all to see. Jeffrey Matshwenyego, Rustenburg

Looking back at Downs’ last few games, the warning signs were there that they were bound to crack because their wins were not convincing. They have also been struggling to score goals, which is unlike them. On the other side, Baroka FC have been playing well under former Kaizer Chiefs hit man Wedson Nyirenda, but failure to convert chances was their undoing. It is sad given that they were going to turn the corner, but few expected the mighty Downs to be the victims. We will now watch the semis with keen interest. ‘Condolences’ to KBY on their loss. Amos Tshukudu, Ga Maria

No love lost between the two brothers. As much as I thought we were going witness the greatest final ever in a decade, the final before the final will be contested by the Soweto giants. I wanted the real final between Chiefs and Pirates, not the semi-final. Bummer! Terah Maqepula, Mt Fletcher

Ja, “this football will kill you”. That’s what former Baroka FC coach Kgoloko ‘Screamer’ Thobejane used to say after matches where his team missed chances. Today, I bow on my knees in honour of my homie, Matsimele ‘Seacher’ Thoka for his achievement in embarrassing Pitso ‘Jingles’ Mosimane in his very first professional game in charge of Bakgaga Ba Ga-Mphahlele in the absence of head coach Wedson Nyirenda, who was in Zambia to bury his mother. I hope he’s happy where he is because Thoka and the boys made him proud by taking the team to the Telkom Knockout semi-finals. In Sepedi we say, “Kgomo ga e lwe ka morota empa, e lwa ka go tseba lenaka”, which simply means, “It doesn’t matter how big a cow could be to win the fight, but it’s about how it controls its horns.” I think it’s time now that Baroka chairman Khurishi Mphahlele believes in local talent in terms of coaching. The boys play very good and entertaining football when playing under the mentorship of those who groomed them. Kgolokoproved that and so is Matsimele doing. Letladi wa Ga-Mphahlele Maralaleng

Quick One-Two’s

VJ, can you please ask Siyanda Zwane if there are no more stories to tell? I enjoyed his ‘In Touch With...’ to such an extent that I kept the previous editions so that I could re-read the stories. That’s what we want to read about, not someone who’s making an ‘In Touch With...’ sound like an interview. We want to laugh, that’s all. Please ask him, Mr Editor, please. Lehlohonolo ‘Pane’ Melato, Ficksburg

Ed’s note: Pane, your wish has been granted. We recalled Zwane for another instalment this week. I have been a staunch reader of the weekly publication and I have a humble request that we have a full column of Jacob Sakala engaging with us soccer fans on how he keeps his players inspired and motivated. Whenever you read interviews of players who have played under him, you cannot help but be in stitches. He sounds like a man who has done so much for the PSL & NFD and has a way of making his players have fun while working with him. Can we have the man on ‘Still In Touch With...’ please? Xabiso Mdledle, via email

Ed’s note: Xabiso, we will do our best to make this happen.