Stars of the past predict a robotic Soweto derby

DO NOT expect fireworks or a grand spectacle when Orlando Pirates take on Kaizer Chiefs in today’s Soweto derby at FNB Stadium ( Kickoff 3.30pm).

In fact, brace yourself for what Jabu Mahlangu and Steve Lekoelea described as “robot football” with no sense of skill or “Kasi flavour” in the field of play.

Chatting with the duo building up to today’s clash, the pair explained why they felt the derby has become predictable, unlike during their playing days.

Ngwana wa Tshwenya (mean troublesome child), as Mahlangu was known for his swaggering skill during his time with Chiefs, said: “It’s a big one. Players don’t need to be motivated by the coach to do well, the event itself should serve as an impetus for them to perform and score as many goals as they can.

“This current generation doesn’t have enough guts and willpower on the pitch. Back in my day, fans would shout “take him out” each time you would find yourself in one-on-one situations. They wanted you to dribble past your opponent. But today, we have players who behave like robots. They would rather make a back-pass than to take on a player. It makes for a tedious experience for the viewer.”

Lekoelea, who was a dribbling wizard in his own right during his eightyear stint at Pirates, shared the same sentiments.

“You can never predict who is going to win in a derby,” Lekoelea said. “What happened in previous encounters for either side will not have any influence on the outcome.

“We don’t want predictable results like draws, as we have seen in the previous derbies. They must give fans something genuine to shout about. Mere missed chances won’t do.”

“The dribbling as well must be done with the intent of beating the opposition ,” he added. “I don’t see the point juggling the ball in one place, it never benefits the team. They need to show guts in taking each other on, otherwise it’s going to be another predictable, disappointing experience.”

However, this was not the case when Mahlangu and Lekoelea took to the field each time their respective clubs took each other on in the country’s spectacle.

In the six years they played against each other (from 1999 to 2005) in the league, Amakhosi won five times at home, while the Buccaneers won three times.

The results were impressive, as was the skill on the day.

“Chippa”, as Lekoelea was affectionately known in his playing days for the Sea Robbers, explained what the problem was with the current generation at both clubs.

“Our players are afraid to take the responsibility of pushing forward for a win,” he said. “They are just playing scared and rely solely on the coaches’ instructions. You’ll never win a derby if you do that. They need to start taking the responsibility into their own hands and start thinking for themselves. Yes, you are expected to carry out the coach’s instructions, but what happens when you realise his tactics are not working for you? Take the initiative to change it, be creative. It is your name that’s on the line, not his. It’s you job to be creative and come out with winning results.”