Give Royal AM their flowers
Every time one of the so-called Big Three – Kaizer Chefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns – dominate the league, a normal thing to do is to ask what went wrong with the other two. In the last five years, everything has all always been about how Sundowns has conquered the domestic league. And without any surprise, The Brazilians’ success has come with heavy criticism directed towards Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
Of course, Pirates and Chiefs have not covered themselves in glory with both clubs winning just one trophy between them in the last five seasons. But while this criticism is well deserved, on the flip side of the coin it overshadows how well other PSL teams are doing.
In 2018, Free State Stars did the unthinkable by winning the Nedbank Cup and instead of getting praise, media attention was given to anger vented towards then Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela, who had failed to win a trophy in three seasons in Naturena.
Last season, AmaZulu, under the ownership of Sandile Zungu, had a new coach in Benni McCarthy and defied the odds by finishing the season number two on the log, just behind champions Sundowns.
The second-place finish gave them a passage to the CAF Champions League – a historic achievement for one of the oldest clubs in South African football. But instead of receiving their well-deserved credit from the public, supporters and the media directed their criticism towards Pirates and Chiefs, who have failed to achieve success.
Marumo Gallants’ success in the Nedbank Cup also went without much fanfare.
This season, new-comers Royal AM, who bought the status of Bloemfontein Celtic after failing to win GladAfrica Championship promotion, have performed above expectations. At the time of going to print, John Maduka’s team were number two on the log behind leaders Sundowns and one-point ahead of third-placed Kaizer Chiefs, who had a game in hand.
Club forward Victor Letsoalo has also been one of the best performing players in the league. And regardless of where they finish this season, the truth is that Royal AM has done very well and deserve their flowers.
It wasn’t just about results, it’s also about how the team played and their 4-1 victory against Chiefs at FNB stadium will go down as one of the club’s best matches in their history.
Of course, there has been some embarrassing moments along the way, including the incident where club chairman, Andile Mpisane, walked inside the field with a pile of cash to pay his players bonusses after a KZN derby win.
But Royal AM has, in a unique way, brought a level of excitement to the PSL that needs to be appreciated.