A TOKEN OF GRATITUTE FOR DOC

On the Sunday of 17 March 2024 we were treated to the Doctor Khumalo Ultimate Champs Soccer and Netball Tournament in Dube, Soweto. The tournament, well organized by the legendary Doctor “16V” Khumalo, is an exciting community project that aims to give young football and netball players who are in the process of development and learning an opportunity to compete and enhance their growth in football and netball. The games were entertaining, and we got to witness the finest talents that we have in our communities. The young football players, from the U15s, U17s and to the U19s, although still needing some fine-tuning on tactical awareness and technical ability, gave us decent displays and even the scorching heat and the light drizzles could not deter the crowd. The netball girls were also doing their thing and they too are definitely on their way to greater things. Doctor should be highly commended for his efforts in coming with such an exciting concept, whose vision is to cultivate and nurture future players for the Premier Soccer League and for the national teams. Not only is Doctor’s tournament good for the development of the football and the netball players, but it also inspires us in the community to stand up and take charge and make a contribution to effect a positive change to our environment. Himself a product of township football, Mdokis has come up with something that will not only help unearth more gems like him, but his tournament will bring back the love and support for our football in the township. It has been dull and quiet for long but the winds of change are blowing and Doc is on to something very big here and he needs to be given all the support he needs by both the community and corporate companies. As we were calmly watching the games, my eyes moved to catch a glimpse of Mdokis talking to his assistants who were working with him to oversee the proceedings. I quietly and attentively observed how this legend was present in the moment and how he was applying himself to situations that needed his attention. I then got to realize something about Mdokis that I had not known before – his humanity. Humanity is defined as unconditional love for fellow human beings and is also the quality of being thoughtful and kind towards others. Humanity is also about selfless acts of compassion. The most significant humanitarian dedicates their time serving their communities by imparting their skills and knowledge to improve others. Putting an effort to empower the people of the community that you come from means you are thinking about them and that is a sign of good humanitarianism. Starting from the day he conducted the workshop, imparting his knowledge to the aspiring coaches up to the time of the awards at the end of the tournament, Doctor’s humanity reflected in how he conducted himself. To those he was interacting with and the players and coaches he hosted, he carried himself with the humanity values of ‘trust’, ‘respect’, ‘care’, ‘guidance’, ‘gratitude’ and ‘love’. He talked to people, not at them. He shared duties with his assistants and didn’t look authoritative. He stood beside and allowed his guests to do the honours of handing over medals on stage during the awards ceremony. This is a sign of someone who is not doing something for the glorification of himself, but is doing it from the bottom of his heart and for the benefit of his people. I would like to believe that Mdokis has had much glorification and he doesn’t crave for any, in case anyone believes otherwise. I would therefore like to say to Mdokis, “Well done legend for the excellent concept that you have put together. Although you may have been driven by the desire to make a contribution to the development of the youngsters, I think the major driving force behind your initiative is your purpose to share your humanity with your community. I see this tournament growing into something never imagined, but I’m confident you will handle this growth. Thank you also for the spin-offs that your tournament brings with it, which are: the refurbishment of our facilities. The restoration of the Matador grounds, our childhood super-arena, is highly appreciated. We thank you for rewriting our memories. Also benefiting are the local businesses who sell their stuff to the people attending the event. Most importantly, the major spinoff is the spirit of participation that your project encourages. In a subtle way, you are saying, ‘if there’s a difference you can make, stand up and lend a helping hand’. I heard there are some educational empowerment initiatives that are going to be started by some guys who were inspired by the Doctor Khumalo Ultimate Champs concept. This goes to show how the ripple effect of the good thing you have started will travel far and wide and have a positive influence on other community builders. Thank you for motivating others Mdokis”. Big up also to the brands that that gave support to this wonderful tournament – the Gauteng Sports, Arts and Culture Department, FARPost, Coca-Cola and Vuyo’s Funerals. I am confident that more corporate companies will come over to become a part of this great event. Well-done also to the legends that came to support Mdokis and took part in the proceedings. Lucas Radebe, Eddie “Ma-Gents” Motale, Siphiwe “Shabba” Tshabalala, Yeye Letsholonyane, Japie Motale, Tshepo Molatedi, Molefi “Ace” Ntsloelengoe, Samuel “See” Ngobeni and other radio and television personalities. When one of our own seeks to make a positive contribution to our society, we should rally around them to give them our support, no matter how small. If we all come forward to show our true humanity by lending a helping hand where possible, society will heal and our environment will become prosperous. Lastly, thanks Mdokis for the wonderful work that you are doing. Like they say, “the meaning of life is to find your gift, the purpose of life is to give it away”. You have contributed on the football field with your immaculate displays. You are now contributing to your people by sharing your humanity through football. Just remember that recognizing the humanity of another person increases your own humanity. Your legacy continues to grow and your name will not only be mentioned alongside the greatest footballers, but it will also be mentioned alongside other well-known humanitarians. Your contribution to the community is highly appreciated. We are so blessed to have you as one of our own. To quote Coretta Scott King, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members”. All the best Mdokis. We look forward to the major tournament in August with the greatest enthusiasm. You can count on our support. Linda Nkabinde, Zone 3 Meadowlands’

ALL THINGS SUNDOWNS

I am writing this email to both Sundowns supporters and football fans at large. Rhulani Mokoena is busy destroying players futures with his favouritism at the club. Marcelo Allende is not better than Mkhulise and Mbule but he’s always in the lineup, this Moroccan guy is not better than Lunga and Lebusa, Mvala is not better than De Reuck and Rivaldo, Lorch is not better than Morena and Sirino. Why do you keep on buying players with this false narrative that because you’re competing at all fronts therefore you need more players and yet you don’t rotate these players fairly. I wonder if you would be wasting Mr Motsepe money like this if it was KK Sonos money. Our development has died since you took over, because you only believe in ready-made players. I can’t wait to see the day you leave Sundowns, where will you coach. You better save what you’re currently earning at Sundowns because the day you leave, you’re going to stay unemployed for quite some time. Bizzarro wa le Sandawana, via e-mail

It was a weekend of goalless stalemate in CAF Championship League and Al Ahly was the only team to score a solitary goal. This will make second legs very interesting with Sundowns having to go all out to win and shutting back door also. I foresee Al Ahly, Downs, TP Mazembe and Asec Mimosa in the semis. Thanks. Amos “Tiger” Tshukudu, Ga-Maria

The games against Algeria and Young Africans should be a stern warning to two coaches (Rhulani Mokwena and Hugo Broos) who are determined to force Themba Zwane into retirement. Zwane is a special talent and to date there is no player in the country and continent who can break the lines with such ease and confidence like him. Broos and Mokwena should be reminded of the fact that the late Shoes Moshoeu won PSL Player of the Year at 38 and was instrumental in Kaizer chiefs winning back-to-back league championships in 2003 & 2004. And like Zwane, he was one of the fittest players in the PSL. In essence the issue of forced retirement of Zwane is purely a political decision by the two unscrupulous coaches. Thabo Mabetoa, Pretoria

MABHAKANIYA KWENZE NJANI?

The coach of Pirates is not taking the fans serious at all. How do you undermine a well-formidable team like Sekhukhune United, why would you change the defence and bring inexperienced players like Sesane, and why do you play some players out of positions? I am asking questions like what Maela should do to be in the starting line up as a captain? Timm is not Pirates material he does not defend he also does not attack his, also no assist from his side, as for Dlamini the least we say the better. A big team like Pirates needs consistency not what Riviera is doing. Carlton M Dlamini, Polokwane

Ever since Orlando Pirates surrendered a 1-0 lead against Stellenbosch FC and SuperSport United respectively late last year in league matches, they haven’t fully recovered, despite some good performances in cup games. The slumber was still evident in the 3-2 league win against Kaizer Chiefs and another two in their 2-1 loss against Sekhukhune United. Indeed, a team whose defence lets in so many goals in quick succession, proves that Pirates are fast becoming the easiest team to score against, and inconsistency has seen them slump from the second position to 4th on the log. No wonder their away record is one of the poorest – three wins in 11 games. Unless something is done drastically about this porous defence, defending the Nedbank Cup as well as the second spot on the log will remain a pipe dream. Up the Bucs.

CHIEFS REPORT CARD

I think Kaizer Chiefs should offload all foreign players and only keep Castello. Bring best foreign players (plus); Fragie Lakay, Shandre Campbell (SuperSport United), Cupido (Cape Town Spurs) and win League. Loyiso Theophilus Mqoqi, Ncambele e Mthatha

Thank you coach Cavin Johnson for having played Sithebe against Cape Town City. For me Sithebe is one of the best midfielders in the DStv league. He knows how to close the spaces between the central defenders, and he is not afraid to take shots at goal. He is a very mobile player. One would understand that he is not 100% fit, because he is from an injury. In the Cape Town City game, he really played well. If I was a coach, Sithebe would always make a starting eleven for me. I hope the coach will play him again on Tuesday against Stellies. Neo Mahlangu, Tembisa

As a Kaizer Chiefs and Man United fan, I have been subjected to a lot of embarrassment and criticism in the past ten seasons. And what pains me the most is how reluctant both owners of the teams are to get to the root of the matter. At least there is a little hope at Old Trafford because of the new co-owner who’s going to be managing the in/out coming of both players and coaches as the Glazers have failed dismally in that regard. Just wondering, how do the players and management of Kaizer Chiefs managed to sleep when knowing very well they are letting us down week in week out? We went out in our numbers in Athlone stadium and filled that stadium to the rafters but the display by our team was so pathetic. Siyabonga Nkalambela, Delft

Quick One-Two’s

Chiefs and Arsenal played to a draw this weekend and those are my favourite teams it is better than losing. Arsenal is still on top of the league and the Premiership is going to be difficult up there because Man City has an experience of winning the league. On another note, Soccer Laduma price increase by R3 is nothing because we are still going to buy it no matter what I can’t live without my favourite paper and SL is my best friend. Viva SL Viva. Nyambeni Samson Khuphani, Tshiawelo Ext 5

We are watching, with keen interest, what is transpiring in the German Bundesliga. It is very likely that we will be witnessing a fairy-tale similar to the one that happened in the English Premier League in 2016, when the modest Leicester City won the English Premiership against all odds – thereby attracting global attention. Xabi Alonso has taken Bayern Leverkusen to incredible heights. And very unbelievable to see that his team is still unbeaten in the league for the current campaign. If Bayern Leverkusen dethrone the Bavarians this season, after a long-time dominance, then the Bundesliga will become more competitive henceforth. The is a speculation that Alonso is replacing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. If this rumour is anything to go by, the former Liverpool midfielder is making a premature move. I think Alonso is not yet ripe to coach a team of Liverpool calibre. He should stay put, while improving his coaching career in Germany.