Make Your P int

FOOTBALL IS COMING BACK!

The biggest league on the planet is potentially going to resume on June 17. Two days before my birthday, I dare add. What a gift that would be should the government give the go-ahead and everything falls into place guideline-wise. Yes, I was against the resumption of the Bundesliga because of how quickly they wanted to get going again. However, there are a few factors to consider, like playing at neutral venues, whether or not all players will play given the fact that some have opted not to part take in group training, and, lastly, playing behind closed doors. The general consensus is that with the idea of neutral venues, the league essentially does not trust the fans, because there is a fear that supporters could potentially come down to the stadiums. This notion has been put to bed by many pundits, who have said only a handful of matches will be played at neutral stadiums. It’s a situation they obviously want to avoid. The next factor is that of certain players feeling that everything is moving too soon, thus increasing the risk of contracting the virus. That’s why we saw N’Golo Kante and Troy Deeney taking a stance of not wanting to participate in group training. Once those individuals feel that everything is in place and their minds are at ease, they will eventually come around. You can’t blame them because a lot is at stake. Everything needs to be done stage by stage, step by step. Fast-tracking the restart could see players getting injured. Talk of doing more harm than good! Lastly, playing behind closed doors could play a huge role in the intensity of the games, which is generally generated by the huge crowds that turn up every weekend. The German league has acted as a guinea pig and proved that a rapid restart definitely impacts on the quality of matches. The English will be looking at this and thinking how they can make Project Restart as smooth and as safe as possible, and also protecting the brand so that it’s not tainted. Playing without crowds could benefit players who get battered by opposition fans. This break would also have provided players with an opportunity for rest and recovery, which would have been much-needed, especially for those always representing their national teams. We will have strong lineups and bigger squads for coaches to choose from. The possibility of five substitutes, which is still under discussion, could be utilised to ease the players back. All in all, let’s hope everything kicks off without any hiccups. Football is coming back!

By Joshua Hendricks, via You Got Published HARD COPY, PLEASE

Mr Editor, I am writing this email to raise my complaint. Since the lockdown began, the newspaper has been sold digitally, which is a good thing for those who have access to Wi-fi and data. Some people don’t have that blessing of even owning a smartphone that will enable them to buy the newspaper digitally. Please think of millions of readers who would like to have a hard copy of Soccer Laduma. We clearly understand that the world is evolving and moving into digital, but think of those who are disadvantaged. Of late, you have been publishing more information that millions could have gained from reading the newspaper. Some newspapers are out there in different outlets, it is only you that is missing on the shelves. Do the readers of your newspaper matter to you? I am hoping to see hard copies of our beloved informative soccer newspaper on our shelves soon. Mosa Mothobi, via email

SOCCER LADUMA ON MY PHONE

I would like to know what I must do to get a copy of Soccer Laduma every week via my phone. I request your guidance in terms of how to apply and what steps I must follow.

Mzukisi, via email RIDES AND RANDS

I saw a story on Twitter regarding Themba Zwane’s new car. The car model cited and the price are totally off. They do not match. I have seen Soccer Laduma do this far too many times. It is fully understandable that your journalists are not car gurus as they work for a soccer publication. I would like to offer you a free service where I would do research in terms of car specifications as well as pricing. You just show me a photo and I will do the rest. I’m passionate about cars as much as I am about soccer. By the way, the car Themba Zwane posted on his Instagram is a Lexus RC, which sells for between R1 million and R2.2 million. Rees Netshitomboni, via email

DOC LIVING IN THE PAST

Doctor Khumalo, we know you played for Kaizer Chiefs and Chiefs used to attract the best players back in the days, but now things have changed as other teams can spend more money on good players than Chiefs these days. Gone are those days, my brother. Chiefs are now known for buying one player and getting two for free.

Thebeetsile Modisaemang, Protea Glen SOS TO PSL, CLUBS RE: FORMER PLAYERS

I have been in deep thought of the pain and suffering that has been inflicted by this COVID-19 pandemic and, as if that was not enough, a deep feeling of sorrow overcame me upon hearing of, then reading, the excruciating story of former Bloemfontein Celtic maestro, Willem Vries, as it appeared on Soccer Laduma’s sister publication, Kick Off magazine. I was so touched by his story. Needless to say, we football lovers know what Vries was capable of on the field of play during his playing days and the situation himself in is so terrible, to say the least. In the interview, he says there is nothing to show that he is a former professional football player. Yes, every individual must take responsibility of his own life, but during the time of Vries and his generation, they earned little, so you can’t blame the guy for his misusing his earnings. I think the PSL must do something about the predicament of many a former player and help current players with managing their financial affairs. These players played a vital role in our football affairs, as they entertained fans. Teams must also try to come up with programmes to empower their former players after their playing careers. His story really touched me to the core, and to think he is not the only ex-player suffering post their playing days. Trust me, there is lot of them out there! Madimetja Vic Mashamaite, Renstown

REQUEST FOR REPEATS

This letter is directed to SABC Sport. It has come to our notice that you are playing old soccer recordings during the course of Saturday and Sunday. We are happy about that. Please have a repeat at night too, although not too late. Some of us are working during the day.

Justice B.S. Moloabi, via email THUMBS DOWN TO SELLING OF CLUBS

Siwelele sa Masele, the song that, from time immemorial, has seen to it that the spirits of Bloemfontein Celtic faithful, young and old, are raised during games, seems to be nearing mute mode. This song has been so infectious that it’s even had the opposition fans singing and dancing along too. How can this be happening? What has happened to Phunya Sele Sele? From being in the top five most-sponsored clubs to now being in heavy debt, with SARS knocking on their door – how times change. My mind goes back to that Reebok green and white strip. Oh, the singing and dancing in the grandstands of the hallowed Seisa Ramabodu Stadium, now Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium. This atmosphere has been a springboard for the team to compete at their peak. Here is a team fuelled not only by savvy owners, but by the ordinary masses. This club fully belonged to the community, not only football people but people from different walks of life. The Siwelele brand was something of a marvel before the current owner, Max Tshabalala, took the reins. They were able to keep their books balanced on and off the field. Fast-forward to today, and the club is a far cry from that entity that had built up such a great potential that would have seen them soar even higher, what with not being able to meet financial obligations. Having said this, I really pray that this Tim Sukazi deal somehow doesn’t go through, simply because each time a new club is sold, its history dies with it. This then weakens our league and makes it even harder for clubs to attract sponsors. Who would want to sponsor a team in a league that has created this culture of buying and selling to make money or get a desired promotion, leading to these dire circumstances? A rule needs to be put in place with regards to the buying and acquiring of statuses. The promotion of clubs to the next higher division should be handled in the right way, secured in a deserving manner and purely on the football field. By Joshua Hendricks, via You Got Published