‘Please sir, can I have some more ... PSL’

THEY SAY football is a universal language, understood by everybody. But, perhaps, the opposite is just as relevant, in that language itself is often reflected by the on-field drama and performance. Nowhere was this more visible, or true, than in the opening week of PSL football.

It was all there to see in proverb, adage and aphorism. Some of the catchphrases may have become mere platitudes over time, but they remain germane to an interesting week of exciting football fare.

These are sayings used quite often, so let’s kick off with “the more things change, the more they stay the same”.

Who else, but Mamelodi Sundowns … the PSL has welcomed new clubs this season and others have freshened and strengthened their squads and coaching staff – but, still, like before, they are all chasing Sundowns.

Cape Town City’s exciting talisman, Lebo Manyama, is a classic example of “form is temporary, class is permanent”.

After coming to prominence at Ajax Cape Town a few years ago, Manyama subsequently struggled at SuperSport United. Now, back in the Mother City, he produced two breathtaking, though brief, appearances in City’s victories over Polokwane City and Kaizer Chiefs.

Manyama, at this stage, is probably about 70 percent match-fit, so imagine what we could be in for come the rest of the season?

Chiefs coach Steve Komphela is feeling the heat after the Soweto side’s uninspiring start to the season.

For him, there’s only one way to respond: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”. Because strong characters – big coaches – don’t give up in the face of adversity. Instead, they dig their heels in and work harder.

If Komphela is to win over the capricious Amakhosi faithful, this is the time to show courage – and get the team winning again.

And for Orlando Pirates mentor, Muhsin Ertugral, here’s some sage advice, in two-fold: “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link”. And, “those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it”

With Pirates goalkeeper Felipe Ovono culpable for the Buccaneers conceding a soft goal against Golden Arrows last week, Ertugral kept faith with the Equatoguinean No 1.

But the decision backfired when Ovono was again guilty of sloppy goalkeeping when Wits dumped Pirates out of the MTN8.

And so, after a gripping opening week of football, we are left to ponder the rest of the season. It is said that if you “consider the past, you shall know the future”… Well, if that’s so, I say, bring it on!

@Reinerss11