Clash of the titans enthral
GOAL-SCORING sensation Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid has re-enforced his status why he is a footballing great by single-handedly demolishing Atletico Madrid with a hat-trick.
Like a runaway freight train, the marksman was unstoppable. Born with the ball virtually sewn to his feet, he is explosive material and when ignited, he simply blasts in the goals. Although in the prime of his career, he has the ability to overtake Lionel Messi as one of the century’s greatest footballers.
We all know some of the reasons why star players leave their teams and countries for other teams: more money, more playing time, scope for personal growth as a player and in search of honours. Some teams agree to a sale, seeing the cash injection from the proceeds as a saviour, others refuse to let go.
Ronaldo left Manchester United for Real Madrid, Luis Suarez left Liverpool for Barcelona and Gareth Bales and Luca Modric left Tottenham Hotspur for Real Madrid.
The trajectory from England to Spain seems to be the ultimate footballing journey, culminating in fame and glory. But in football psychology, how does the footballing fraternity feel about such moves? That’s a dissertation for the gurus I guess.
Both Liverpool and Manchester United, once pantheons in the annals of English football, have had lukewarm seasons.
Likewise in South Africa, similarities are playing out in professional soccer. Just like the EPL race has been cut to the wire with Chelsea and Spurs, locally Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits are vying for top honours.
Crowd pullers and avatars of local soccer, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, like Liverpool and United, now take a back seat through a slump in form.
But all is not lost as sponsors and marketers go all out to stage the seventh edition of the annual Carling Black Label Champion Cup between Pirates and Chiefs at the Orlando Stadium.
Likewise, I suggest that the EPL host an annual match between Liverpool and Manchester United as a precursor to the new season. And like Orlando Stadium, Wembley will have “house-full” signs long before kick-off day. Such initiatives can rekindle interest for the betterment of the game. KEVIN GOVENDER
SHALLCROSS