DOWNS IN AN AFRICAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
Jealousy, dislike and banter aside, you gotta love watching Sundowns play. How they negotiate their way out from the back under such immense pressure, away from home nogal, is something of a marvel to watch. When Zungu was introduced in the second half against Wydad, it gave freedom to Mokoena to take the game by the scruff of its neck and he mastered that to the tee, resulting in that vital away goal. Yes, they lost 2-1. It was a game not to miss as it was firecrackers everywhere. Other PSL teams can learn a thing or two from them. And, oh boy, did I tell you they are in a league of their own!? Imagine the competitive football we can be treated to if other local big guns from Soweto can match them. On another note, the Carling Knockout is teaching us something. The biggest upset is Pirates getting knocked out by Richards Bay.
Siyabonga Nkalambela, Delft
The less said about Chiefs, the better. For my health, I dare say! What a final between Sundowns and Wydad on Sunday night. It was an excellent inaugural African Football League final, with incredible fighting spirit from both sides. Wydad had plenty of opportunities and could have scored more than two goals, but credit to Sundowns for scoring an away goal, which to me is more like a cushion going to the second leg here in South Africa. All the best to both teams. Good advert for African football.
Fano Mkhwanazi, Durban
Sundowns’ loss against Wydad is what I envisaged a while ago. The team, lately, has not been winning fairly and most football fans were tremendously unconvinced by the kind of officiating that often favoured them. Through fair officiating, results will prove that Rhulani is just a normal coach surrounded by a variety of players. I think the club should fire him and give Manqoba a chance to lead Sundowns.
Sphelele Shozi, Dududu, Ward 19
Mzansi’s ambassador in the CAF Champions League, Sundowns, tasted their first defeat in a dramatic African Football League final in Casablanca against Wydad, but there’s a glimmer of hope in the return leg at home. I am asking all South Africans, irrespective of team affiliation, to rally behind the Brazilians and fill up Loftus Versfeld. Indeed, Ka Bo Yellow need our support to defeat the giants from Morocco. If my memory serves me well, during the FIFA ban, my team Chiefs did the unthinkable by defeating Wydad to reach their first final of the Champions League. So, the Tshwane giants need to win only by 1-0 to lift the inaugural cup. In Sundowns, we believe. My only prayer is for them not to concede a goal, knowing that anything is possible going forward. Lastly, congratulations to Usuthu, Stellies, Natal Rich Boyz as well as the Rockets for reaching the semis of the cup of miracles, the Carling Knockout. This is a miracle cup because all big guns are out and all minors are gunning for first prize. Good luck to Amakhosi in the derby against Pirates. I hope and pray that Johnson benches Petersen on the day.
Boitumelo Vanrooyen, Schweizer-Reneke