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2022 WORLD CUP REACHES CRESCENDO, GO MOROCCO!

It’s very unusual for a World Cup to be held at this time of the year, but I’ve never imagined how exciting this Qatar showpiece would be. We’ve witnessed a lot of upsets and surprises throughout this tournament. Who would have thought that Croatia would beat Brazil on penalties? Morocco did the unthinkable by beating CR7’s Portugal in the quarterfinals. Salute to them for being the first African side to reach the World Cup semi-finals. The match between England and France was exciting to watch. Harry Kane could have done better for that second penalty. Argentina and France are the only big guns remaining, at the time of writing. Morocco and Croatia remain the underdogs. Who will win it? Time will tell. Happy holidays to the Soccer Laduma team and all the publication’s readers! Anesipho Mabija, via email

Congrats to Morocco for being the first African country to qualify for the semi-finals. This team has the quality and resilience to ultimately surprise the whole world and win the World Cup. I am fascinated how underdogs have proven that they too can bite. What I love about this World Cup is that it is a World Cup of surprises and to witness what is unfolding is pleasing. Congrats once again. The journey continues for the African country. Let’s put politics aside and support this Morocco team. Whether they prefer to associate with us or not is a topic for another day. Now the focus is on ensuring that Africa is seen as competitive and a threat to the powers that be in world football. France is on the menu now, and whether it will be a sumptuous stew or not, only time will tell. Thapelo Masiapata, Ramaroka village, Bolobedu

I pen this epistle in extreme jubilation as our African brothers Morocco became the first country from the motherland to reach the semi-finals of the biggest soccer tournament in the world. The Atlas Lions have really applied themselves well and stamped their authority since the first game of this tournament, so they fully deserve it. Much as I was sad that they broke CR7’s dream, I was equally happy for the Moroccans, never mind the ‘Arab’ descent they swore allegiance to during last week. Two more games to go and the trophy is theirs. This will put African football on the map, even though a majority of their players was either born or raised in Europe. What a spectacle this World Cup has been! Good luck to the four remaining nations (well, three after last night’s game). Marvin Matseke-Mabula, Burgersfort, Leboeng Rutseng

When I said the FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be full of surprises, many people thought that I was inebriated beyond measure. Far from it. Who would have thought that in the semifinals we would be seeing Croatia against Argentina and France against our beloved African country, Morocco? Indeed, football will always remain unpredictable until the results come out on the field of play. Therefore, I see Croatia against Morocco in the final! Africans, let us get behind Morocco by fire, by force. Good luck African giant, good luck African warrior! Ofentse Kakapa Mahatlhe, Schweizer-Reneke

What a drama-filled World Cup quarter-finals, where history was made. Heroes became villains. Underdogs proved bookmakers wrong. Big-name players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Neymar played probably in their last World Cup due to age. Morocco made history by being the first African nation to reach the semi-finals, and they have the guts and determination to go the extra mile to the final. I don’t understand why people keep on saying it’s a World Cup of surprises and upsets, but it’s proven that the playing field is level and there are no longer minnows in world football. It was just proven that big-name players don’t win matches, but countries that are well-prepared and willing to fight for their countries do. It’s now up to the Argentines and French to prepare well and not underestimate Croatia and Morocco to reach the final. It’s Modric v Messi, Mbappe v Hakimi. All things considered, it’s France’s World Cup to lose. Gavin Ryan, Emalahleni

So we have European-African and African-European, in France and Morocco, in the semis. Morocco are like that arrogant successful stepchild who resents their parents (parents being Mother Africa). As much as I’m happy for them, part of me doesn’t feel the “African-ness” connection. Playing in the Arab land,

the Arab ancestors are with Morocco and anything is possible. But also, truth be told, Morocco are on the rise and have been doing great all round lately. SAFA can learn a lot from them. A whole SAFA president says we can’t compare ourselves to Morocco. I don’t know what that means when we’ve hosted the World Cup with top facilities. What got Morocco and Croatia to the semis is unity. They don’t play through no one but as a unit. I mean, it’s remarkable for Morocco to change playing personnel, especially at the back, for different reasons but still be defensively solid. On paper, France are more likely to win it, but we are about to see if there’s going to be one more major upset. Lucky Khunou, Meriting

Big congrats to the Atlas Lions of Morocco for reaching the semi-finals. I’m no naysayer, but I said it two weeks ago that one of the African teams will reach the semi-finals. Morocco proved me right. Now they must not take the foot off the pedal. After beating Spain and Portugal, anything is possible. You have to beat the best. Aim for the moon so that when you fall, you fall among the stars. This year’s showpiece never ceases to amaze and I wouldn’t be surprised if the unthinkable happened. May God bless Africa. History has been written in Qatar. As for big guns Brazil and Spain, the writing was on the wall long time ago. Good luck to Morocco. The whole of Mother Africa is behind you. Boitumelo Vanrooyen, Schweizer-Reneke

Records are there to be made and to be broken, as we witnessed with Morocco, who became the first ever African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup. As Africans, we are proud of such an amazing feat. The players, technical team and coach Walid Regragui deserve a pat on the back. The fact that Morocco beat big teams such as Belgium, Spain, Croatia and most recently Portugal speaks volume about the depth in their squad and anything is possible in their semi-final against the defending champions, France. They also boast a solid defence, which has conceded only once in the

tournament, an own goal nogal. It will be an interesting encounter against France, who have the record of being the highest scorers in the tournament thus far, with 11 goals. Lastly, Morocco, continue the good run and make Mother Africa proud by bringing the World Cup home. In you, we believe! Bernard “Bra Ben” Tshukudu, Ga-Maria

France stand a chance of being the third country in history to defend the FIFA World Cup. It’s only Italy (1938) and Brazil (1962) who were able to do so. They have a big mountain to climb against the first African team to reach the semis. My advice to France is if they want to win this mouth-watering encounter, let Morocco have the ball and catch them on the counter. If they score first, then Morocco will open up and we’ll watch a great game. But at the end of the day, it’s who wants it the most and may the best team win! Nafie Moloantoa, KwaThema

What a comeback by Croatia in overcoming the equally determined Brazil. They played like their lives depended on this game. As usual, Brazil fired on all cylinders and the man who raised his hand to die for his country was the Croatian goalkeeper (Dominik Livakovic), who stopped everything coming his way. Even his back four played so tight and really contained Brazil. Neymar’s goal was superb and no defender would have stopped it from crossing the line. However, the Croatians’ fighting spirit brought them back into the game as they believed that they could also score. With the spectacular saves from their keeper, it was a given that he would save one or two in the penalty shootout. Rest is history. Well done to Croatia for reaching the semis. Will they emulate the Class of 2018? Wait and see. Madimetja Vic Mashamaite, Renstown

England will never win any trophy while they still have that Southgate as their head coach. How could this guy take out an in-form Saka? The player was amazing in the second half, but Southgate took him off! He also kept Rashford on the bench, why? The less said about the referee, the better. According to my view, for France’s first goal, the referee should have awarded a freekick to England for the tackle made by Upamecano on Saka. That was a clean freekick and it didn’t need VAR, but the referee ignored that foul. Congrats to France for the win. Waya Maxazi, Glenharvie

Who ever thought Morocco would reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup? They outplayed Portugal and the red card (to Walid Cheddira) did not help the Europeans. If they can play their cards right against France, they can proceed to the final. Argentina and Croatia went through via penalties and it goes to show that this World Cup has been the toughest of all. I wish the African team can snatch it. Nyambeni Samson Khuphani, Tshiawelo Ext 5

Hail the Atlas Lions! It’s not by luck that they are in this stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. From their first game, you could see that they are not in this tournament to add numbers. But we need to be really honest that we never saw it coming that an African team would eliminate big names like Spain and Portugal. That was a real shock. Again, for me, it shows that the gap between Africa and the rest of the countries can be narrowed if our countries can approach these games against the so-called big footballing countries the same way Morocco approached this World Cup. Once again, well done to them. Albert Khutshwa, Lupapasi village, eCala

In the knockout stages, it doesn’t matter how you win your game, but ball possession doesn’t win you a game. Spain dominated the whole 120 minutes against Morocco, but Morocco defended very well and even got their chances where they were supposed to kill the game before it went into extra time. By the way, I knew Morocco would beat Portugal because I don’t remember any African team losing at Education City Stadium. All the best, Atlas Lions! Trust Thipane, Jane Furse

Argentina, France, Croatia and Morocco have all managed to book their spots in the semis. Will Messi finally put this debate of the GOAT to bed and will Di Maria keep on blossoming at his age? This French team work as a collective force. Giroud shows once again that age is just a number. Mbappe, at his age, is showing once again that he is the next big thing.

Croatia, just like in 2018, are maturing with time just like fine wine. Will Modric carry them all the way? Morocco are hoisting our African flag very high. This is one team that consists of workaholics, players all prepared to go behind the ball once they lose possession. They are the first African nation to go past the quarterfinals. Everything is falling into order for them, with a bit of luck carrying them. Mother Africa is smiling. Game on! Siyabonga Nkalambela, Delft

Congrats to all countries that managed to reach the semi-finals. Welldeserved indeed, for it was not easy. Big teams like Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, England are out of the tournament and the smaller nations deserve respect. Morocco, as an African team, needs more support from all Africans. I wish them all the best for their next game. VAR is playing a fundamental role in this World Cup. Look at the France v England game, for example. After the France defender pushed

the England player off the ball, England were awarded a penalty despite the referee initially waving play on. I also noticed that countries like France, Brazil, Senegal, England, Morocco and Argentina are still coached by the same coaches from the 2010 World Cup. As a country, how many coaches have we changed after that World Cup? Why can’t keep a coach for the long haul? Isaac Tsenene, via email

The whole continent is celebrating Morocco’s progress to the semi-finals. Yes, the trophy is not won yet, but getting past Belgium, Spain and Portugal is worth the celebration. Morocco are the first African country to top their group and go to the semi-finals and they deserve all the plaudits coming their way. They really showed that with proper planning and belief, anything is possible. Morocco are playing as a team because they don’t have socalled big-name players and I believe that’s their strength. Congratulations once again to them and hopefully someone at SAFA House is taking notes. Malesela “Dance” Boya, Kanana, Hammanskraal

As the Qatar FIFA World Cup is now reaching its climax, we have been witnessing the return of the victorious David of Biblical times. When least expected, Morocco sent the football Goliaths like Belgium, Spain and Portugal packing. They have done the unthinkable. The Atlas Lions have victoriously roared for Africa and charged into the World Cup semi-finals. Congratulations to them for ushering Africa into the semis for the first time in history. No one believe they would reach this far. Our limited expectations have given them an enormous advantage. Their glorious triumph is a clear testament that Africa has taken a progressive step in the Beautiful Game. As Winston Churchill said, “Never give in. Never give in. Never give in.” Morocco should never give in or fear. Rather, they have to maintain their fighting spirit and ultimately bring the World Cup to African soil. Batsirai Kativu, Johannesburg

What was supposed to be the best game of the World Cup between England and France was marred by inept refereeing. In the first half, England were denied a couple of set-pieces in crucial places just outside the box, which I think the Britons could have converted. Maybe the referee thought he didn’t want to spoil the free flow of the fast game. Lucas Hernandez’s foul on Mason Mount in the second half didn’t need to be viewed by the VAR. I think Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane are the strongest and most forceful players. Whenever they are in possession of the ball, they pose danger to the opposition. Good luck to Morocco in the semi-finals. Hoping they can make it to the final through their teamwork and compact defence. Dintoa “Buddy Ike” Tshukudu, Sebokeng

In soccer, many things happen, the good, bad and the ugly, and the best players rise to the occasion. Seeing CR7 crying after the World Cup quarterfinal between Morocco and Portugal is part of the Beautiful Game. All the best to the four semifinalists. I wish Croatia can win the World Cup. In parting, I must say the broadcast has been perfect and the Soccer Laduma updates on this tournament have been excellent. Danny “Madeenzo” Moreo, Segakwana village, Moruleng

At the time of putting pen to paper, we are left with Croatia, Argentina, Morocco and France. Interestingly, Croatia were runners-up to Morocco in Group F! I pray that by the time you read this epistle, Morocco will be in the final, against all odds, thus ensuring the African dream lives on. Would it be wishful thinking to hope for a Morocco v Croatia final? A lot has been said about Morocco, but at the end of the day, they are an African nation whether they like it or not. It is good that the top three vying for the Golden Boot, namely Mbappe (five), Giroud (four) and Messi (four), are still contesting, with Mbappe my favourite to lift it after Harry Kane took the honours four years ago in Russia. Amos “Tiger” Tshukudu, Ga-Maria

My heart was filled with jubilation and exuberance for Morocco reaching the first semi-finals for Africa

on Saturday. The joy was cut short by the North African country’s demeanour in dedicating the historic win to the Arabs and not to Africa. Morocco and Egypt have a propensity of racism and do not consider themselves as Africans (Black). Pitso Mosimane can corroborate my version. He was a victim of racism while he was coaching Al Ahly. We are happy for Morocco, but their racist conduct makes it difficult for us to celebrate this historic moment. Peter Makwela, Klipgat

Quick One-Two’s

I want to start with the supporters that are singing praises of the Orlando Pirates coach, Jose Riveiro, just because he won them the MTN8. I hope it stays like that and the same supporters must not change their tune when things start going south. It’s always safe to say, “So far, so good”, instead of being overly-excited. Secondly, l I would like to plead with coaches to teach their players the rules of the game even if it means asking for Ace Ncobo’s assistance, just to have educational sessions in this regard. I’m particularly concerned about the offside rule. Our PSL players are a shame to watch when it comes to the awareness of this rule. They simply cannot position themselves correctly compared to their overseas counterparts. They look completely amateurish, always caught unnecessarily offside. Lastly, can SAFA please introduce proper development academies just like in Brazil, particularly as we share the same style of play. Player recruitment must be key as we don’t want to see small-framed players throughout just because they are skilful. Height and stature must also be taken into account. We need defenders and goalkeepers with good height to be in the mix. Hofmeyr Kwitshana, via email

We as Orlando Pirates fans are not amused by the way the team is run. How can a good player (Mthethwa) be possibly axed in exchange for Makhaula, who is not better than him? This player is very good in aerial and ground duels. Please don’t let him leave the team. Hezron Ngcamu, via email

Njabulo Blom has never issued a statement distancing himself from some of the utterances made by (his agent) Rob Moore. Blom is trying every trick, through his agent, to provoke the Kaizer Chiefs hierarchy not to renew his contract. Chiefs must renew the contract with intentions to sell him. From now onwards, all players represented by Rob Moore should be offloaded one by one. The good name of Kaizer Chiefs is all over the media for the wrong reasons because of Blom and Rob Moore. Teams were not making money because of COVID and to top it off, since you came to Chiefs you have not won a single trophy. Ace Ntsoelengoe was larger than life and he was God to us. In 1985, he left Chiefs but later came back. The point I’m making is that you have done nothing for Chiefs. Don’t mess with our team, don’t mess with our brand, together with your agent Rob Moore. Nation Mabaso, Osizweni

How the mighty have fallen.

No matter how Chiefs try to spin it, this change from Nike to Kappa is a backward move. Look at how many teams at the World Cup are sponsored by Nike and not one by Kappa. I suspect Nike pulled away, especially, after seeing they are associated with successful teams and Chiefs haven’t won anything in seven years. Charles Mthembu, Sandton

I been following this issue of PSL sponsorship since this SuperSport (DStv) took over from Absa. I think the PSL hierarchy allowed the sponsors to take total control of our football! They want to totally shut out SABC, which is the national broadcaster, and monopolise all popular sports. For example, when our women’s football, which is now being televised by SABC, becomes popular, DStv will again use their financial muscle to take over that brand. We all talk with one voice that football is a sport for the poor. Now, we cannot allow capitalists to come and dictate to us in our beloved sport. DStv is solely there to fill their coffers, unlike previous sponsors who were there to uplift, popularise and give back to the communities. We don’t see evening games and Sunday PSL games, while SABC has a special sport channel. The time has come where PSL must dictate terms instead of sponsors. It’s the sponsors that need publicity from millions of football followers, not the other way round. Football leaders must take a leaf out of the book of Rugby and Cricket, where all national and teams’ games are televised on (public) national television. I rest my case. Dintoa “Buddy Ike” Tshukudu, Sebokeng