BRAZILIANS LOSING THEIRRHYTHM

Tuksdishedout‘Howtostop Sundowns’ lessons. Just be in their faces. I only got to watch the Tuks v Downs game second half. I haven’t seen Sundowns struggle with their fluid game in a long time. They were made to sweat. Tuks were all over the pitch and looked fit. Credit to their highperformance centre facilities. As you know the story about stats and bikini not revealing everything, don’t be deceived by Sundowns’ 824 passes and their 80% to 20% ball possession, they include extra time stats. Never mind Tuks’ 212 passes. Sundowns’ passes were intercepted 25 times, shots at goal were blocked 11 times, 31 clearances and I only saw the Tuks goalkeeper forced into making a crucial save by Sha-Sha (Shalulile) deep into the extra time second half. They man-marked and hardly gave Sundowns space to play. Sundowns couldn’t control the tempo of the game. As for penalties, Tuks just got stage-fright seeing Williams or tried to get clever with casual penalty taking. I just hope people were taking notes and stopped marvelling at Sundowns, taking selfies, asking for autographs, and complaining about all the quality at Chloorkop. Lucky Khunou, Rustenburg, Meriting

I wish to express my views about the current Sundowns struggles against low-block defending teams. It is evident that most teams know how to frustrate Sundowns after years of success in all competitions. My advice to Coach Rhulani is that it’s time that he changes the style of play by playing direct football with intensity and precision. The possession football played at the back does not hurt the opponents. Instead, it allows them to defend in numbers in their own half. A wise man changes his mind, Coach Rhulani must remember the previous years when the players on the bench won games for Sundowns. After the AFL success it is clear most regular players are exhausted, so it is an opportunity for other players to be given a fair chance to play whilst resting the regulars. The recent struggles have shown that the goal-scoring rate has drastically dropped due to the chameleon style of play. Mamelodi Sundowns must consider playing direct football with precision and outclass low-block defending teams. Coach Rhulani must understand that league games are approached differently to Cup games and even Champions League games. Innovation is needed to wrap up the season in style by winning CL and the Nedbank Cup. At Sundowns we believe that Club World Cup is the ultimate objective. The Sky is our only Limit. Patrick Pilane, Sebokeng

My beloved team Sundowns is gradually losing its rhythm and identity partly due to acquisition of overrated average players such as Aubaas and deployment of players in unfamiliar positions. Modiba is a left winger/left back, he doesn’t have the attributes of Man City’s Bernardo Silva/Foden in central midfield position to execute defence-splitting passes to strikers. Rhulani is clearly struggling to find a perfect formula to win games convincingly. Thabo Mabetoa, Pretoria

NEDBANK CUP DRAMA

Ke Yona, Nedbank Cup, what an interesting football competition. The game against Tuks was not as easy as Sundowns would have anticipated, Ka Bo Yellow were saved by Williams. The second between Pirates and AmaZulu was interesting. Although AmaZulu lost the game, credit must be given to their side. They were strong enough from the midfield. Pirates were very strong upfront, young players from their side did their part. Congratulations to all teams who went through to the semi-finals. The Chippa United goalkeeper played very well. TS Galaxy players tried all their best, but he managed to stop all the balls, on top of that he saved a penalty. Who is going to reach the final? Are we going to watch the final before the final between Chippa and Pirates?

Isaac Tsenene, Gqeberha

Congrats to all teams who proceeded to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals, but it was tough for Sundowns who qualified through penalties against a Motsepe Foundation Championship team. It was a little bit difficult for Sundowns this past week, first Cape Town Spurs gave them a tough game when they won by one goal to nil and then they went through to the semifinals of CAF by beating Yanga on penalties. Orlando Pirates were fantastic, well done to them. Nyambeni Samson Khuphani, Tshiawelo Ext 5

Congratulations to Pirates for making the semis of the Nedbank Cup and it was very difficult against a stubborn AmaZulu. As always, Pirates were on fire from the word go but they failed to score from the chances that they created early on. AmaZulu were under pressure, and it was surprising for them to take the lead. Hotto should know better when we defend. He gave Ekstein a goal on the silver platter because it was easy for him to take a powerful shot. The way Pirates played, it was like they could score at any given time but the service to Mabasa was poor. AmaZulu don’t even know what hit them, Pirates were the better team even in the second half and they kept on fighting. Well-taken goals by Makhaula and Maswanganyi and it was the final nail in AmaZulu’s coffin. Chaine must command his area because he is not sure when to go out or remain. Otherwise, it was a good game and well attended. Madimetja Vic Mashamaite, Renstown

Yes, it is a great draw, and everybody was trying to avoid Stellenbosch. Hard luck to Sundowns because they know what this great team can do. I think this will be the end of the road for Sundowns. The match between Pirates and Chippa won’t be an easy game for both teams. Yes, Pirates are on fire, but they find it hard when they come across the so-called small teams. I see Stellies and Pirates at Mbombela in the Nedbank Cup final. Nghamula Rikhotso-Nkonwana, Mageva Village

The weekend started off with eight teams competing in the quarterfinals. The surprise package of the round was Tuks, the only survivors from the Motsepe Foundation Championship squaring up against the Brazilians. The game was a cagey affair because the Tuks lads went pound-for-pound with Downs and pushed them all the way to the penalties. It was once again the heroics of Williams that took Sundowns through to the semis. Matsatsantsa a Pitori had a scare of their lives at a windy Danie Craven Stadium. Stellies never gave them a chance to settle on the ball. The quick build-ups from Stellies were enough to outwit the visitors. The match at Moses Mabhida between Usuthu and the Buccaneers was an ill-tempered game with lots of fouls and physical battles. AmaZulu had the better chances to win the match, but they did not convert their chances. Later, Pirates punished them on set pieces and AmaZulu could not deal with the second ball and got severely punished. In the last quarterfinal encounter TS Galaxy could not utilise their home ground advantage against the Chilli Boys. The Chilli Boys game plan to close down the speedy wingers of The Rockets worked in their favour, and they advanced to the next round. Now it’s all to play for in the semis for Stellies vs Downs and Bucs vs Chilli Boys to set up a date in the final at Mbombela stadium.

Gavin Ryan, Emalahleni

The Nedbank Cup semifinal draw has drawn mixed feelings across the soccer world: There are some who feel it was managed to avoid Orlando Pirates playing Sundowns expecting that the two should meet in the final. Be that as it may, I think the four teams are equally capable of beating one another at any stage. The unpredictability of football should not be underestimated. Who would have thought Chippa United could eliminate T.S Galaxy at Mbombela stadium nogal? Orlando Pirates, my favourite team, should be wary of their loaned player, Goodman Mosele we can wear them down and cause them to worry. All the four teams really deserve to be at this stage of the competition controversies notwithstanding. Up The Bucs.

Ephraim Sinxezi, Vanderbijlpark

Congratulations to my team Orlando Pirates for teaching AmaZulu some football lesson and now we’re in the semifinals and we must make sure we’re going to the final and defend our trophy. Whether Sundowns like it or not, Pirates must just defend the cup and we will forgive them for a lacklustre performance in the league. The sad part about Pirates is that they pick up form late in the season, when Sundowns has already secured the league. That attitude or culture must stop if we want to be taken seriously and I think we still need a strong goalkeeper. Yes, Chaine is trying his best but I think to be competitive next season we can’t always concede goals as if conceding is in fashion. However, for now credit to the technical team, the players and even the fans who always go to the stadium, your efforts are highly appreciated. Once a Pirate, always a Pirate. Thapelo Masiapata, Ramaroka Village, Bolobedu

Firstly, congratulations to the four teams that made it to the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup. But it is so sad to see bad behaviour from AmaZulu FC coach, Franco. He is always complaining about referees, when is he going to accept a loss? As a coach and someone from outside South Africa, he should be improving his playing personnel rather than focusing on referees. How many times has Orlando Pirates suffered from dubious decisions from referees, has he ever heard coach Jose saying something about the referees? Coach Franco is the same as coach Hunt, they are bad losers. They should know that the game of football has three aspects: win, draw and lose. You can’t win them all. Franco should leave coaching and become a referee, so that he can do better than them. Mosa “Blackberry One” Mothobi, via email

Pirates’ dubious equalising goal aside, they were worthy winners on the night. The 4-2 scoreline in their favour could have been more had they been more clinical in front of goals. Showering your bitter traditional rivals with praises is no mean feat indeed. As a Khosi fan, I must take a bow for the Buccaneers talent scouts. Whoever that person is, he is doing a magnificent job. The Buccaneers seldom spend big in the transfer market, but they always unearth diamond jewels who always fit like a hand in glove in the team set-up. Last season it was Monnapule Saleng. This season they have unleashed a Patrick Maswanganyi, who was considered surplus to requirements at SuperSport United. I am envious of the Buccaneers scouting team they can certainly teach Chiefs a thing or two. They are miles ahead of Amakhosi in this department. George Sithole, Honeydew

THIS TIME IT’S BAYER, NOT BAYERN!

My editor, let me congratulate the German giants, Leverkusen, for winning the league after so many years. It’s really great to see former players given a chance to be managers. Here at home, it’s an insult to promote young coaches, teams fire them. Just imagine if Arthur Zwane was given a fair chance at Chiefs. Let us be human beings and know that Rome was not built in one day. Congratulations to the four teams in the Nedbank Cup semis. All the best. Danny “Madeenzo” Moreo, Segakwana village, Moruleng

It was a weekend of jubilation and heart-break. In Germany, Leverkusen finally ended Bayern’s one-man show with five games to spare. Some might ask whether Leverkusen will maintain that form next season and I will answer by saying I do not care about that as long as Bayern was stopped. I am not a fan of Farmers’ League. The same happened in Italy seasons back when Juventus’ dominance was halted. As Matthew 6:34 says: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself”. Congrats to Xabi Alonso and his team and they are still unbeaten and challenging Arsenal’s Invincibles record. In England, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa spoiled the parties when they beat Liverpool and Arsenal respectively, much to the delight of The Citizens. Will this be a turning point in the title chase with six games to go? Arsenal lost nine points last season in their title chase during this month. What we all know is that once Man City is on top, it becomes difficult to dethrone them. Aston Villa’s win was a welcome boost to challenge for the Champions League spot and they are now three points above Spurs who were massacred by Newcastle. It is now a two-horse race between Villa and Spurs for the last four spot. Amos “Tiger” Tshukudu, Ga-Maria

Firstly, let me take this opportunity and congratulate Xabi Alonso and his troops for winning the German Bundesliga in style. It is with great pleasure for him doing that with a team that has been chasing with no luck all those years. In the team’s 120 years of existence, the former Spanish international and 2010 FIFA World Cup gold medalist became the very first manager to help Bayer Leverkusen lift the Bundesliga trophy. This is not only for him, his players, his technical team and fans, but for everyone who once participated in the team’s activities, including former players and managers. It is history in the making, winning Bundesliga in an unbeaten run, it is absolutely amazing, it fantastic and a world-class performance. Alonso and his boys have finally managed to end Bayern Munich’s 11-year dominance in the Bundesliga history. With a couple of games to go, Leverkusen has done it. This is a very clear sign that it is possible, it is doable and that is regardless of who have been dominating and for how long, the truth is that old records can be broken, and the new ones be set if not written. Congratulations once again to Xabi Alonso, his soldiers and technical team as well. Letladi wa Ga-Mphahlele, Maralaleng

Quick One-Two’s

All eyes are on the English Premier League now. It’s getting tougher day by day. Every game is a cup final, all teams want to dent Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City’s hopes of winning the title. Last season, Arsenal lost important games at a crucial time. Liverpool shocked me against the Italian outfit, Atalanta, in Europa, their focus was on the league. I doubt if Man City will drop points now. It’s interesting, it’s a race between the big teams. You snooze, you lose now, it’s a war of Armageddon. Terah Maqepula, Mount Fletcher, Eastern Cape

I think it’s about time Desiree

Ellis steps down as Banyana Banyana coach and give a chance to other coaches to come with new ideas. How do you justify playing Swart ahead of Dlamini? Truth of the matter is she has run out of ideas, and with her as coach, Banyana Banyana will never qualify for the Olympic games. South African talent is immeasurable and the Nigeria we played against wasn’t as strong as it used to be. We should have won by an avalanche of goals especially in the second leg at home. SAFA should act now, before it’s too late. Tente “The Brains” Mokoka, Sepharane

Dear fellow readers, April has been usually a month that brings dark and sombre memories in the football fraternity. Although our tears have long dried up, our hearts are still bleeding as we commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Ellis Park Stadium disaster in which 43 precious souls perished on 11 April 2001. As if this is not enough, we are remembering the Zambia national team that perished in a plane crash on 27 April 1993. Although the football fraternity is heartbroken by the tragedy, there is a fascinating story about the revival of the Zambian national team from the ashes of catastrophe. After this irretrievable loss for Zambian football, one of the surviving players of the national team Kalusha Bwalya was given the initial task to help in re-building the national team – bringing a shattered nation together. Kalusha Bwalya, as the captain who was instrumental in the re-assembling a national team that would subsequently become a formidable force on the continent. Needless to say, the rejuvenated Chipolopolo went on to win the 2012 Afcon championship against all odds. When you carry hopes and expectations of a shattered nation, you have a mammoth task. So was Bwalya. The most befitting honour and respect that we can give to the souls

that perished in Ellis Park Stadium disaster and the Zambian plane crash is to implement policies and reforms to develop African football. However, we are happy to see that, since Dr Patrice Motsepe took over the CAF Presidency a few years ago, there is remarkable reforms and transformation in Africa’s football body.

Batsirai Kativu, Johannesburg

After praising the Gunners and the Reds for pushing the Citizens this much, are they now starting to show signs of surrendering and giving the title to Man City on a silver platter? As neutrals we were so hoping that this EPL title will go down to the wire. We fully understand that it’s never easy playing teams that are fighting for their dear lives this time of the season as they are capable of springing in a few surprises, but failing to get maximum points in such games you are just inviting unnecessary pressure. Will Pep go all the way, or will Arteta and

Klopp redeem themselves? The few games that are remaining will tell. Bravo to Bayer Leverkusen for breaking Bayern Munich’s dominance of 11 years. I do feel for Harry Kane though.