THE LAST WHISTLE – R.I.P., EKETSANG SETLOBOKO

It was with much sadness and sorrow to hear the passing of one of our own referee Eketsang Setloboko. The football fraternity has been robbed of a special asset on the field and in the refereeing department. Setloboko was a rising star. We will remember him by his positive contribution to local football. Of particular note, it was during the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium where Setloboko showed us his class when he absorbed the pressure of the derby and made decisive decisions and unbiased judgements during the game. He was one of the rare breeds in local refereeing. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Batsirai Kativu, Johannesburg I am saddened by the passing of Eketsang Setloboko, whom we lost in a car accident. He was still young with bright future in refereeing ahead. Growing up in the rural area of Mount Fletcher, giving hope to the youth of a disadvantaged area was a huge achievement to possess. We all know that we are mere visitors on earth, but his journey in refereeing was cut short in a tragic way. He was our raw diamond, but the way that he shone in the derby made many take note of his determination to our beautiful game. Football has lost a master of the game not only in the Joe Gqabi Region but the country as a whole. My condolences to his family, Mount Fletcher Football Association, friends, colleagues and relatives. May his soul rest in peace. Terah Maqepula, Mount Fletcher

KEEP IT UP, MAZINYO!

Mr Kaizer Motaung said that he wanted a coach that would hit the ground running, but we all knew that he could not get Patrice Carteron yet again because of being stingy. Why did they have discussions with Carteron’s camp if they already knew what type of coach they wanted? “Mazinyo” ( Ernst Middendorp) has started well so far and my only request to him is to use Siphelele Ntshangase together with George Maluleka if he wants to win more games because he is our only playmaker and we cannot afford to have him on the bench. Our strike force suffers when Willard Katsande and Maluleka are used, as they are both defensive players. Please, coach, you must also bench Katsande more. Lastly, prove us wrong that you have learnt something from when you were called “Middendraw”. Amos Tshukudu, Ga Maria As a distraught Khosi supporter, suffice to acknowledge, although with a sceptical eye, that coach Ernst Middendorp’s return could bring the desired results at Naturena. Since his unexpected unveiling to resume steering the wavering Amakhosi ship, the players’ attitudinal response has been of great improvement and methinks that Middendorp’s stern approach might be the tonic which was somehow missing amongst the players. I still maintain my stance that the players at our disposal, guided by a knowledgeable mentor, could challenge for any silverware. Perhaps, if given the required support, the coach will deliver the goods.

Loward Ziga-Khosa, Nkuri-Tomu

As a Kaizer Chiefs diehard, I have a simple request for Kaizer Motaung and this is from the bottom of my heart. Kindly just buy Mark Mayambela and Thabo Rakhale from Chippa United. These two players can make things happen at my childhood beloved Amakhosi. They are both very influential on the field and I can already imagine their combination with Khama Billiat, Leonardo Castro and Kabelo Mahlasela. There are also a lot of young local right and left backs that the team should be looking to bring into the team. Look at players like Innocent Maela at Orlando Pirates and Thamsanqa and Mkhize at Cape Town City, who are versatile players. Please, with all due respect, I would love to see the similar type of players at Amakhosi. I am tired of being stressed out every time my club plays. I thrice wrote emails to the club’s website, but unfortunately I did not receive any feedback. That’s also another factor that needs to be rectified. Please open communication channels so that we can engage with our team. Lebatlo Joshua Mati, Dilopye, Ramokhutha Section Ernst Middendorp’s second coming to Naturena is poised to reduce stress levels and boost the happiness index to every peace-loving soccer fanatic in South Africa. If the two consecutive wins amassed with the German mentor at the helm are anything to go by, then the terrible ordeal that we have long been subjected to might be a thing of the past. Kaizer Chiefs played with purpose against SuperSport United midweek, and the nifty exchanges of play between the lads could be a sign of good things to come. Against Malagasy outfit Elgeco Plus in the CAF Confederation Cup, Amakhosi showed glimpses of brilliance as a unit and if they can remain grounded, our boys might reach the group stages of the tournament. Middendorp’s positive approach will be a determining factor into helping uplift the soul and spirit of the downtrodden legions of staunch Chiefs fans from the doldrums and quagmire that they’ve been unwittingly relegated to. Owen Mafukele, Nkuri-Tomu Let me congratulate the Glamour Boys for beating ineffective SuperSport United and it was a warm welcome for coach Middendorp. Chiefs played well as they attacked Matsatsantsa a Pitori all the way and Billiat was a thorn in the opposition’s defence, but he must learn to be a team player. Maluleka showed on the night that he deserved to wear that captain’s armband as he controlled the middle of the park very well. From where I’m sitting, the wheels are coming off for SuperSport and they look so discouraged. I think SuperSport must renew their mandate and their team in general. Otherwise, well done to Amakhosi! Madimetja Vic Mashamaite, Renstown It was good to see George Maluleka taking matters into his own hands in the absence of Itumeleng Khune. It is safe to say that this team is full of leaders that we know we can lean on in the future. We want to see this consistently going forward. Great results for Ernst. Welcome back, boss! Phumzile ‘DVD’ Ngwane, Thokoza Quick One-Two’s It seems the wheels are starting to come off at Baroka FC. Wedson Nyirenda must start to collect maximum points now in the league rather than later because come the second round it’s going to be difficult. Pitso Mosimane once said that it’s better to lose the Telkom Knockout and concentrate on the championship, which is the big fish. It seems like the high intensity games that Bakgaga Ba Ga Mphahlele were involved in are taking their toll on the players. In their maiden season, they accumulated a mere 28 points, second season 32 points. Will they surpass last season’s points tally? I don’t know because I don’t see them collecting any points against Maritzburg United before the Christmas recess. It will be pity to see Baroka going down with the Telkom title.

Aphane JM Libangeni, Vaalbank, KwaNdebele

The achievement of both Banyana Banyana and the national U20 team recently proved beyond doubt that South Africa has immeasurable talent but needs to be nurtured from grassroots level. The fact that both teams went out on conquered Africa under the watchful eyes of Mzansi-born coaches says it all. I have nothing personal against foreign coaches, but I think it is about time local coaches stop playing second fiddle to their European counterparts. By so saying I also urge PSL teams to have more faith in our local coaches and by doing this it would benefit our senior national team who are slowly getting there. Thabo Senong and Desiree Ellis deserve the highest amount of praise for their incredible feats. Tente Mokoka, Diepsloot I would like to commend SAFA for raising their hands as far as the AFCON tournament is concerned. This is not about South Africa but about Africa. We must admit that CAF bit more than they could chew and South Africa is the only well-resourced country on the continent. MMZ Zulu, Durban I was happy to see that Paul Pogba was not in the starting line-up for Manchester United against Liverpool this past Sunday. Now, Jose Mourinho must look for a new scapegoat because the team still lost without him. The coach, former players and some sections of the supporters are always pointing fingers at him. Now, what are they going to say? Siyabonga Nkalambela, Delft