DURBAN WIND BLOWS R8M CHEQUE TO ORLANDO!

We were so upset with our “Spanish Guitar” when our team lost four consecutive games, but he and his technical team knew that come the final, they had a perfect plan to neutralize Sundowns. Congratulations to Downs for putting up a good fight, but little did they know that they’ll find us ready. Riveiro is like a pitbull when it comes to cup competitions, I salute the man! I remember the famous quote from Rhulani: “God loves us all”, which he blessed us with after brushing Chiefs aside on their way to the final when asked about the penalty incident. On Friday, during the pre-match presser, Ncikazi said some teams are benefiting from dubious calls by the officials and coach Mngqithi repeated Rhulani’s famous words. I can also say that “God is the provider” and it’s so nice to also benefit after everyone was calling for a penalty against the Buccaneers. Well done, Mabhakaniya, and we hope to emulate what we did last season. Our tears from exiting the CAF Champions League were wiped out perfectly by the Spanish Guitar. Congrats to everyone associated with the club and wesay aluta continua .Now we need to focus on climbing the ladder in the DStv Premiership because we belong up there in the top two. Happy People all the way, uyayiva ke ngoku? Once and Always! Bopha ndod’emnyama! Sibusiso Khumalo, Melmoth, KZN

What an intriguing cup final in windswept Durban and in front of a sellout crowd. For two ballplaying teams, the game was a bit too physical, with a total number of 39 fouls and eight yellow cards. If the stats are a true reflection of the game, then Sundowns deserved to win in regulation time. They had three clear-cut chances. The windy conditions on the day also played a huge role in both teams not being able to strings a few passes together. When there was no winner in the 90 minutes, it was proof that the game was headed for the dreaded penalty shootout because there were a lot of tired legs out there. Penalties are always a lottery, for they can go either way. A player can be the best penalty taker at training, but on the day, with the pressure from the passionate fans, can miss. Even the best players in the world can miss from 12 yards out. A goalkeeper can be off-form during the game but can become a hero in the shootout. It started off as eight teams, but Bucs are the Last Team Standing!

Gavin Ryan, Emalahleni

Congrats to my team for winning against Sundowns. Yes, the game was not pretty for us fans, but the boys delivered when it mattered most. Credit must be given. Chaine must also be appreciated for his brilliant saves in the penalty shootout. However, I still believe more is needed on his side because he is clumsy in most instances. Again, Ndah and Timm were solid in their defensive work. Pirates won and I’m very happy for that, but the level of officiating in the PSL is becoming worse in every single game and that is very sad to witness. Something must happen or else the integrity of the Beautiful Game will be compromised. The cup is wellreceived, especially after the disappointment of exiting the CAF Champions League in that fashion. As the adage goes, Once a Pirate, Always a Pirate. Thapelo Masiapata, Ramaroka village, Bolobedu

Congrats to the mighty

Buccaneers for their MTN8 victory over Sundowns. Just like a single pass can dismantle an entire defence, Pirates’ win was worth a ‘try’, to borrow from rugby terminology. It brought to the fore the following pertinent points: There is nothing obvious in football. Who would have thought that Bucs, having suffered four consecutive defeats before this game, would conquer Downs, in a penalty shootout nogal? Pirates’ penalty shootout record does not instil confidence. Think Gavin Lane. One would have thought that the team’s penalty takers would be thwarted by Bafana’s number one, but that was not to be. The heavy odds that were stacked against them were overwhelming and yes, it is true that the ball is and remains round and that a football game can never be predicted. Ask Man City. It remains unpredictable even when a box of matches is meant to ignite flames against the opponents. Well done, Sea Robbers, and the wonderful attendance at the stadium by supporters is testimony to our confidence in you as a team. Ephraim Sinxezi, via email

Amabhakajuju ajabulile!

Congrats to Pirates for successfully defending their MTN8 crown against Sundowns on Saturday evening at a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium. Punters had written the Buccaneers off after the team’s four losses in a row prior to the final, forgetting that we are knockout cup specialists. I hate singling out players because I believe in team effort, but I have to mention our goalkeeper for his Man of the Match performance. He stood firm, not only during the penalty shootout, but during regulation time as well. Not forgetting our Spanish tactician, who is yet to lose a cup final in South Africa since his arrival almost two years ago. Those who were calling for his head after our elimination from the CAF Champions League must be feasting on humble pie now.

I’d like to congratulate the Sea Robbers for a job well done on their victory against Sundowns. This is a sweet victory after being labelled as underdogs by the media fraternity. They ignored all this and went all out to come out on top as the Buccaneers. To Chaine, job well done, my goalkeeper. I’m happy since I was worried after you were substituted in that CAF Champions League game. I didn’t like how you were underestimated. To the entire technical team, the time is now to start putting your much-needed efforts into challenging for the league medal. Once and Always! Happy Monakhisi, Mohlabaneng village

Congrats to Pirates for retaining the MTN8 at the expense of Sundowns. It was not a great game for the Soweto giants as they didn’t play their normal passing game. Also, the wind didn’t do justice to both teams. Downs had a better game and managed to create a few chances. Riveiro went for the kill as he brought two strikers. Unfortunately, his ball players didn’t have a good run in terms of transition. Maswanganyi and Saleng had a poor game. The injury to Sibisi was a blessing in disguise as Ndah brought a different dimension and was rock-solid. Overall, it was an emotional game, with Rhulani jumping up every now and again to display his displeasure with the refereeing. Yes, there were some errors from the referee and his assistants, but we can’t hold on to that. Chaine was a hero as he saved three of Sundowns’ penalties. Normally, Xoki is a good penalty taker, but he disappointed us. Ribeiro’s absence affected Sundowns negatively, while the introduction of Mofokeng, Kimvuidi and Kapinga boosted Pirates. Many thanks for the massive support from the other teams, like Chiefs. Thank you, we can now go our separate ways as the country has been fixed. Well done to Pirates for defending the MTN8 and let’s now focus on the league as we are in an unfamiliar position. Madimetja Vic Mashamaite, Renstown

Well done, Pirates, for winning the MTN8. What an exhilarating, nail-biting, thrilling and exciting final. The Bucs coach listened to “Tso” when he called for Erasmus and Timm to start the match. It worked to perfection. We were very solid in the middle of the park and never allowed Sundowns to play their normal pressing game and they were found wanting. Thanks to our goalkeeper, Chaine, who stole the show on the night by saving three penalties. We are Happy People again! Up the Bucs! Well done. McDivett Khumbulani Tshehla, KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga

Well done to the Buccaneers, but I feel sorry for Sibisi because it seems like every time when he plays well in this competition, he gets injured. Seeing him cry,

I could see the guy was willing to go all out. His teammates were playing this game for him like last season against AmaZulu FC in the same cup, same stadium and same stage. Well done, guys, for fighting for your teammate. We wish you a speedy recovery, my steel iron. Let’s go recharge our batteries, then move out of that bottom position and go back where we belong. Trust Thipane, Jane Furse

I’m glad Pirates learnt from that terrible mistake of substituting Chaine with Ofori during the unceremonious CAF Champions League defeat to our neighbours Jwaneng Galaxy. This time around, Chaine produced three good saves to ensure they retain their MTN8 trophy, much to the dismay of the Yellow Nation. He gave a good 50-metre sprint after the game, which turned us athletes green with envy. The free-scoring Shalulile and Zwane missed good scoring opportunities. Overall, it was a good game, even though the wind tried by all means to spoil it. As usual for a cup final, Moses Mabhida Stadium was fully packed. Well done to all the supporters who attended. Amos “Tiger” Tshukudu, Ga-Maria

The MTN8 final was electrifying. It was arguably the best MTN8 final. Competitive. Such that the two coaches brought in players who’ve been inactive. It was pleasing to see Kapinga, Maboe, Ndah and Mkhulise featuring. Congrats to Pirates for retaining the MTN8 trophy. Chaine made the difference after stopping the menacing attack of the Brazilians. Not to mention, he heroically made three saves in the penalty shootout. His impressive form is an eye-opener that the local football scene is graced with very talented young goalkeepers like Bvuma, February, Petersen and Mothwa. It is regrettable that we are not patient enough with them. We do not nurture them, we’re harsh to judge them after a few results, and shelve them, to let their talents gather dust. We need to nurture these young keepers. Batsirai Kativu, Johannesburg

It was a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium for the MTN8 final. I’ve never seen Pirates display great football like they did on Saturday. I enjoyed every moment. Chaine was outstanding. Considering the quality Sundowns have, it’s ridiculous that they had to play an injured player. Soccer Laduma, once again, thanks for the updates in the build-up to the final. Goliath has been slayed, the ancestors of Soweto have answered. Danny “Madeenzo” Moreo, Segakwana village, Moruleng

The MTN8 final, I must say, wasn’t the best of spectacles knowing how the two giants play. That spark that we know them capable of producing wasn’t there. I don’t want to blame them because Mother Nature was not helpful either. The wind at Moses Mabhida Stadium was severe, robbing the supporters of a game they’d been waiting so eagerly for. It was really difficult for both sets of players to play a flowing game. Sundowns couldn’t play those slow but dangerous build-ups from the back that we know them for, while the Buccaneers, on the other side, couldn’t use fast attacking football. But all that said, we ought to congratulate Pirates for winning the new MTN8 trophy after keeping the old one when they won it last season. As for my team Chiefs, they need to step up. Big teams are winning titles while we are still rebuilding. We’re running out of time and very soon we’ll fall out of the ‘big teams’ bracket. Albert Khutshwa, Lupapasi village, eCala

The wind denied us an almost perfect final, but the two sets of players tried their best to give us just that. Pirates’ game plan of pressing Sundowns up top was the best. Denying Downs time on the ball is the only way to beat them and Pirates did that very well. I said two weeks ago that every team goes through a dry spell and that doesn’t make their coach a bad one overnight. Riveiro showed his class against Sundowns by countering their game perfectly. His players showed the desire and hunger to play for him and that’s the least a coach expects from his players. I just wish my team, Chiefs, had players like that who put their bodies on the line and leave everything on the field. Congrats to our neighbours for defending their MTN8 trophy and better luck next time to Sundowns. Malesela “Dance” Boya, Kanana, Hammanskraal

Despite the wind and pressure of the final, kudos to the match officials for a job well done. Pirates played well and I noticed that Sundowns trained for 90 minutes as most of their players were limping in the second half of extra time. Rhulani has a long way to learn. I don’t think he is ready to win the CAF Champions League. I repeat, there’s a lot he needs to learn. Chaine proved his doubters wrong with his heroics throughout the game. Tumelo S Molefe, Riverside View

Well done to Pirates for being crowned MTN8 champions. Riveiro, in his second season, has collected three trophies already and deserves a pat on the back. In his first season, both the media and some supporters labelled him a ‘plumber’ and questioned his coaching credentials. They are now eating humble pie. As supporters, we must learn not to judge coaches quickly without giving them enough time. He had a good game plan for Sundowns and did not allow them to play their normal possession-based football and their reliable striker, Shalulile, was tightly marked. Chaine did exceptionally well by saving three penalties, which is very rare in the DStv Premiership. In the EPL, although Man United won on Saturday, there’s still a lot of work to do for Ten

Hag to make them a formidable side. They’re struggling both in the league and the Champions League. In the latter, they are without a point after losing to both Galatasaray and Bayern. They’ve already conceded seven goals in two games in the Champions League. Onana is also not doing well and must up his game and avoid costly errors. He is inconsistent like Petersen of Chiefs. The international break will give struggling teams such as Chiefs a chance to regroup and improve. Bernard “Bra Ben” Tshukudu, Ga-Maria

WHAT WENT WRONG, MASANDAWANA?

If you miss chances, you will lose the game. I was not surprised to see us going to penalties. We are not good in penalty shootouts, as we’ve lost too many games on penalties. This is fair and square, I’m not complaining. Congrats to Pirates, they deserve the win. Chaine proved the coach wrong and I’m happy for him. To the Sundowns players, technical team and supporters, we are not going to win every game, but we are not bad as the MTN8 final result would suggest. Well done once more to Bucs players, technical team and supporters. I miss them in the CAF Champions League.

Terah Maqepula, Mount Fletcher

Abongile Tom was the Man of the Match in that final. He proved from the first minute that he is a hired gun to make sure Sundowns does not win the cup. He denied us at least two clear penalties. It was so sad to see such a mediocre referee selected for a game of such magnitude. He proved that currently, there are no referees in the PSL. We last had good referees during the era of Victor Gomes, Ace Ncobo and Victor Hlungwani. Rhulani’s sentiments about the penalties denied were vindicated by the post-match commentary. On a separate note, the decision to host the final in a coastal area like Durban must be probed because of unpredictable weather. The wind was a decisive factor in that game. Sundowns and Pirates could not play their carpet football because of the wind. We are not bitter losers. Congrats to Pirates. Peter wa ga Makwela, Klipgat

Let’s give a credit to our referee and his assistants. They did a great job and managed to control the tempo of the game. Yes, they will make mistakes here and there, but we need to give them credit when they do well. We all know it’s never easy for them. Abongile Tom even found a box of matches on the field. A bonus point for him! Mandilakhe Ntaka, via email

If it is true that muti works in soccer, then definitely it denied Sundowns an opportunity to lift the MTN8. They should have taken the lead and been 3-0 up, but that did not materialise. If indeed muti was used against Sundowns, that is cowardice. If it was not used, congrats to Pirates. Justin TK Zwane, KwaDukuza

NO ‘MONEY TO NATURENA’, BUT KHOSI NATION OVERJOYED!

Congrats to Pirates for stopping

Sundowns’ boring winning streak. They were not supposed to be in the final, hence justice was done – thank you very much. The game did not live up to expectations due to bad weather. Saleng must be given a free role because that’s his strong point. On Saturday, he was stuck up front. Well done to Chaine, he did very well to stop the first three penalties by Sundowns players. The referee was under tremendous pressure, but he did very well, especially coming back from a suspension. Well done once more to the Sea Robbers. Two in a row. The so-called ‘plumber’ is doing good, neh? Once a Chiefs, always a Pirates! Lebatlo Joshua “Mr Cool” Mati, Dilopye, Temba

Great final between Bucs and Sundowns, with the Soweto giants the deserved winners in the end. It would have been a great injustice if Downs had won as their route to the final was controversial. They were heavily assisted and pushed to get into the final, but Chaine made sure that he brought that to an end. Well done, Chaine and the Mighty Buccaneers, for silencing and fixing the country. Last season, in terms of cups it was Soweto 2-1 Tshwane. This season it’s already Soweto 1-0 Tshwane. The show goes on. I’m not sure what prevents Abongile Tom from making the correct calls at all games in which he officiates, for he had a great, flawless game on Saturday. As much as “Pep Guardiola” spent the whole 120 minutes jumping up and down claiming penalties that didn’t exist, Tom didn’t budge. He applied the Laws of the Game correctly. It simply says these guys can do right in terms of officiating, but they (allegedly) sometimes decide to cheat other teams. Sundowns’ controversial wins over Bucs and Chiefs in recent league games and Amakhosi’s MTN8 exit come to mind. Lastly, I see Downs players nowadays are collecting yellow cards as if they’re going out of fashion. They are kicking their opponents left, right and centre. Instruction from the coach? Mompati Panyaza Ndlovu, Lekubu village, Zeerust

Congrats to my neighbours Pirates for lifting the MTN8. I celebrated more than my Bucs fans until I was called to order by them, ha, ha, ha. Anyway, on the Soccer Laduma website there was an article that appeared on Friday, where I commented that Sundowns must write Pirates off at their own peril, and that with the right officials on the day, they would not have a problem seeing off the Brazilians. Yes, everyone is singing praises of Chaine’s penalty saves, but for me, the goalkeeper won the game in the fifth minute. That crucial save against Zwane made the goalie confident and he went on to become a beast between the sticks. Rhulani asked for fair refereeing prior to the final and he got just that. But unfortunately his mind games this time around worked against him. Finally, what message was he sending to his strikers who were fully fit when he played an injured Shalulile instead of them? Nafie Moloantoa, KwaThema

I’m a Chiefs supporter and a passionate follower of football. I write this letter to congratulate Pirates for successfully defending their MTN8 trophy, thus disturbing Sundowns, who seem to make this league their own in terms of dominance. The Ghost actually fixed the country. It is not my place to comment on the match officials whatsoever, I’d rather reserve my opinion for another day. I was not sure about Chaine until he singlehandedly defeated the likes of Zungu and Mokoena head on. I’m not happy that Pirates won, obviously, but I’m elated that Sundowns lost. Vuyisile Bovu, Cofimvaba

It took a penalty shootout to decide the winner of the MTN8 between Pirates and Sundowns. The latter are crying out loud for what they claim was unfair treatment from the match officials. Whether their claims are correct or not, I’m not interested, but I will only ask them one question: How did you get to the final of the MTN8? If you live by the sword, you are definitely going to die by the sword, as the old saying goes. Siyabonga Nkalambela, Delft

Congrats to Pirates for winning the MTN8 after a hard fought victory over Sundowns. Credit to Chaine for saving three penalties in the shootout to make sure the trophy remains in Soweto. I hope the Downs fans can feel the pain we felt when the referee denied us a clear penalty in the second leg semi-final. The officiating in the PSL has been pathetic to say the least and the sooner the officials improve, the better. Marvin Matseke-Mabula, Burgersfort, Leboeng Rutseng

Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Pirates for winning the MTN8 back-to-back. I’m a Chiefs supporter, but I must say Bucs did justice for the country by bringing the so-called mighty Sundowns back to earth. It was sweet revenge for the Soweto giants after their recent defeat to Downs two weeks ago. That clearly shows that God loves us all. Thanks once again to sponsors MTN as well as the fans who came out in numbers to support the Beautiful Game. As for my team Chiefs, behind the dark night there is always a brighter day ahead. Eight years of being trophyless is too long and had it not been for COVID19, coach “Mazinyo” would have won us the league. The Nedbank Cup defeat was Bobby’s fault and the MTN8 one was referee Luxolo Badi’s fault, but life goes on. Boitumelo Vanrooyen, Schweizer-Reneke

Congrats to Pirates for defending their MTN8 trophy. Some Sundowns fans are blaming the referee, saying he denied them a penalty, and as a Khosi fan, I say “what go surround come surround”. The officials did the same to us and Sundowns kept quiet, so it’s their turn now. They must taste their own medicine. Shapa Bhakabhaka shapa! Also, well done to Man United for coming back strongly and winning against Brentford. It was becoming a shame losing every week. Nyambeni Samson Khuphani, Tshiawelo Ext 5

MIND YOUR CHIEFS BUSINESS

Ntseki is an analyst with no timeous corrective action. He’s mostly correct in his analysis but sadly only after action. He’s also always seeing positives in wrong areas. Granted, we want good football, but with results. He needs to work on the amateurish display by his players, like lack of shooting, spacing, etc. Saile and Du Preez are the worst culprits in target shooting. Defensively, our left backs, your Hlantis and Doves of this world, are always found wanting. Most goals are conceded from their side. Sadly, there are quite a few good players in the team, but they’re badly coached. Nothing much is expected from Ntseki since he never played the game. He’s just a theorist and, dare I add, a good one at that. For him to attain his feet and carve his niche at a club like Chiefs, he needs vast experience. The club can keep him but at a detriment. Are they willing to do that considering this lengthy dry spell of silverware? I doubt it. Finally, it’s so painful to see Chiefs so drastically diluted and toothless like this. Fallen heroes. Look at how Pirates contained Sundowns. That’s how you apply yourself against a possession-based team, don’t give them space at all. Congratulations, Bucs. Hofmeyr Kwitshana, Pietermaritzburg

Chiefs need a coach who will instil discipline to the players. The team needs to be aggressive, especially when they play at home. Our players do not show the will to win. They are not tough on their opponents. It seems most teams are no longer afraid of Amakhosi. Actually, they enjoy playing against them because they know they can beat them anytime. The sooner they get a foreign coach, the better. Ntseki must go back to development, that’s where he excels.

Neo Mahlangu, Tembisa

Chiefs are facing a serious problem in their ‘yet again rebuilding’ episode. They have a ‘qualified coach’ who lacks experience at PSL level, good players who lack confidence and a fanbase that has become increasingly frustrated and intolerant. What now for the once Glamour Boys of South African soccer? Maybe they need to play in empty stadiums because the fans can’t take it anymore and the club risks being fined again. Or management must just be bold and bring in that guy who is waiting on the wings, Johnson, to take over the coaching reigns. But will it help, as this experimentation with coaches has been done before? Since the players can’t even be helped with the acquisition of that sports psychologist, maybe the club needs a no-nonsense coach who will crack the whip because, for me, Johnson appears to be another softie. I just pity Khune because each time he starts a game, he’s on the losing side. Then that Petersen guy will be brought back and, before we know it, he’ll be up to his old tricks of making silly mistakes.

Sindile Kwitshana, via email

Maybe Chiefs need to do a ritual to appease the Amakhosi ancestors, like the late Ewert Nene. We have the material but can’t seem to hit the right notes. Brandon Petersen must stop updating his status on Facebook while on the field because that disturbs his focus! Moss Modirapula, via email

Quick One-Two’s

I don’t want to sound ungodly or offend anyone, but I wish players could use the limited post-match interview time given to them wisely to give us the necessary game insights and analysis. The proceedings and how the game unfolded. It was the first time I heard Chaine speak. let alone the fact that it was because of the Man of the Match award. He is well-spoken and it’s not a language barrier. A lot of times, our players make use of postmatch interviews to express their gratitude to God than give us analysis. Don’t get me wrong, we’re all grateful to Our Maker, but the media space and time is limited. Chaine deserves that Man of the Match accolade. I would have liked to hear his thoughts about his saves. It’s rare to see a goalkeeper make three saves in the shootout. Sundowns’ third penalty was psychological and I knew already that it was going to be missed. Chaine had already made two saves to his right and obviously it played on third kicker Mokoena’s mind. Guess what he did? He took it to the goalkeeper’s left and it was saved. It’s like looking at multiple-choice exam questions and going, “The answers can’t all be false in succession”, or, “It can’t be true, false, true, etc.” Indecisiveness. If players can’t tell us anything about the game, then it’s pointless to have them for post-match interviews. These are the same people who aspire to become future coaches or analysts. Anyway, congrats to the Buccaneers for successfully defending their crown. Lucky Khunou, Meriting

We can’t roll out the red carpet for mediocrity. How can such a big brand like Bucs be eliminated from CAF inter-club competition? Do you expect Pirates supporters to be happy after the team beat Sundowns in the MTN8? The club has tasted the milk and honey of the world by reaching the final of the CAF Champions League, winning it against all odds. Babs Mogobye, Sefikile village

This letter is to address the Orlando Pirates family: management and supporters. A society is judged by how it treats its elderly senior citizens and that is why they are called the golden generation. Swallows is the only team that is dominated by this generation that has a valuable load of experience in South Africa, so it is important to avoid catastrophic decisions when we deal with football matters, particularly our teams in the PSL. I therefore want to urge the Pirates family to shelve the plans of recalling Mabasa. We do know that he’s on loan and will be back in Bucs colours next season. Swallows has proven to be a happy hunting ground for Pirates loanees. It has since been established that Pirates have called for an urgent return of the prized striker. We do acknowledge that he belongs to them. However, the manner in which this is being handled is disastrous. I mean, as it is, Pirates have eight forwards in their squad of 36 players that can score goals for them. Is Mabasa guaranteed a starting berth there? He has been loaned out for the past two seasons already. Now that he’s delivering the goods, Pirates are thinking of urgently recalling him. What do you call that? Please talk to Mr Vuka Tshabalala, who will be able to give you the rich history of relations between Pirates and Swallows. The latest developments are going to destroy what’s been built over the years. I appeal to Dr. Khoza to stop this madness and save us, the elderly supporters of Swallows, the pain and suffering. As a matter of fact, this is also going to affect Mabasa mentally as he won’t be able to perform with all the attention on him. Up the Birds! Thabang Lehoko, via email

I write this brief boiling with anger after reading on almost all the football platforms that Sundowns might end up not playing the African Football League because the people who are in charge feel that since the domestic fixtures had already been drafted, they shouldn’t be amended. Let me tell you now, that is a lie. They should have used something else as an excuse. After all, they’re able to postpone the fixtures between Sundowns v Royal AM and Pirates v Sekhukhune because of the MTN8 final, which does not make sense. It was not the first time for teams to play midweek games while having weekend games. All I see here is an element of jealousy because had it been Pirates, Arrows, Chiefs, Cape Town City or any other team with its chairman occupying a top position in the League, alterations would have been made without any begging. If Sundowns need to participate in this competition, they rather prioritise it and send their stronger team there and split the coaching staff so that the rest can stay behind concentrating on the local league and cup games. Simphiwe Jimmy Thomas, via email

When Pitso stepped down as coach of Al Ahly and left Tau, a lot of people wrote the player off and even suggested it was the beginning of the end for him, but the coach insisted that the boy was fine there with or without him. I remember one of the club’s legends saying Percy is overrated and is not Al Ahly material. Now Tau is their star player and even dons the famous number 10 jersey. He’s scoring goals like they’re going out of fashion and it’s good for the national team to have players who are doing well away from home. What I dislike about fans in this country, especially in the Soccer Laduma readers’ WhatsApp group, is that they argue or debate football based on the teams they support. Not long ago, when Broos expressed his feelings on a certain issue, he was called names by supporters of a certain team. He, once again, has said it like it is, that whoever is responsible for Mailula’s move to Toronto is heartless and only cares about their own pockets, not the player’s wellbeing. Had Sundowns rejected the offer, many things were going to be said about the team blocking a player’s move abroad. Mailula should have stayed a season or two at Sundowns to gain experience. Once again, congrats to Tau for his brace against Ismaily. Continue flying the flag! Tente “‘The Brains” Mokoka, Sepharane