Make Your Point

THE DEADLINE FOR NEXT WEEK’S ‘MAKE YOUR POINT’ IS MONDAY, 10AM.

TIGHT CORNER

Nyiko Mobbie, l did like the way you responded to the questions from Masebe Qina. They were so tricky. Please, Masebe, mind your questions. Elias Spalla, via email

SOME FEEDBACK…

Bonjour Soccer Laduma and fellow readers and all soccer fanatics. It’s my first time writing to the publication. My association with this paper dates back to the days of Monde the cartoon strip, pink boots and all. Hmmm, I’d like to touch on Bafana. Well, yes, coach Broos may have overlooked some players that we feel deserved a call-up, but it’s been working for him and all he needs is our support. Gone are the days when people would be called up even if their time was up. Yes, Zwane is on form and the guy is exceptional, but we cannot build a national team with a 32-year-old. What coach Broos is doing is what I call building for the long term. We’ve been fooling ourselves about building. As for Mvala, Sir Ferguson told CR7 he is the best in the world and must forget the rest. Well, I’m a nobody and I’m telling you to just grind, boy. You’ve got a long way ahead. VeeJay (Vuyani Joni), please don’t, man. To me, it felt like you’re attacking the coach. That was not support at all. Let’s judge him on the results. I mean, when last did we find ourselves in a state where qualifying for the World Cup is in our hands? If we don’t support this coach and these players that he selects and who get the job done, then we don’t love football the way we claim.

Lwazi Ndlovu, eNanda

What a long nine interesting weeks with Eric Ramavhale on “Still In Touch With…” Besides making us laugh non-stop, there’s much that one took from Eric’s journey, especially on matters that have to do with life skills, because that’s what matters most for everyone who wants to learn and improve going forward. Thanks, Eric, it was really worth it. On another note, thanks to Amakhosi for an improved performance against Chippa. I never want to single out players unnecessarily, but it would be remiss of me if I don’t mention Keagan Dolly. This is the player who will give Chiefs that push to the Promised Land. He is showing what a great player he is. His football brain is simply out of this world. I can’t wait for the return of Castro because Dolly and Billiat have already shown us that their combination is still very much effective. It’ll be interesting to see how the three will combine once Castro makes a comeback. Sparks will fly! Lastly, I think the article in last weeks’ edition of Soccer Laduma, titled “Five solutions for Baxter’s Chiefs”, was read by the powers that be (technical team) of Chiefs, because I think, to some extent, one or two ideas suggested in the article were implemented and whatever tactics the team had on the day were carried out to perfection. We still need more of these performances because “May is too far”, to borrow from Pitso.

Mompati Panyaza Ndlovu, Lekubu Village, Zeerust

GLAMOUR BOYS TOO HOT FOR CHILLI BOYS!

Yes, it’s Chiefs’ first win in four games, but it was worth celebrating for us die-hard supporters. The team played well, albeit in patches, and took their chances. The good thing about the win is that the coach and his technical team refreshed the team with players whose inclusion almost everyone was calling for. Perhaps Njabulo shouldn’t try too hard to impress because it leads to too many mistakes. The boy must just play it simple because we know his quality and that’s why he was signed. I also think a fit Dolly will revive Billiat because the latter looked very happy, focused and willing to fight for the team. After struggling to score more than a goal in four games, hitting four in one game is exactly what the doctor ordered and will do wonders for morale. The “five solutions for Baxter’s Chiefs” article in Soccer Laduma’s issue 1245 was spot-on and I hope the boys don’t get carried away by that win but continue working hard. In parting, congratulations to Bafana and all our representatives in CAF competitions.

Malesela “Dance” Boya, Kanana, Hammanskraal

Congratulations to my beloved team for a convincing 4-0 win against Chippa after what’s been a poor start. Dolly is serving humble pies out there and I hope he can be consistent. To think he’s not yet 100% fit is really scary. An assist and two beautifully-taken goals from him and, as Brian Mathe would put it: Yi swilo swa manyunyu (It’s a thing of beauty). I thought the boys applied themselves well in the first half as they kept it tight at the back, which resulted in Akpeyi having little to do. For once, Baxter got the starting line-up right as the boys combined well, although I’m really worried about Mashiane as he’s hardly had a look-in. It would be suicidal for him not to play this season and if Baxter has no intentions of using him, then let the boy go on loan in the January transfer window because he’s too good a player. Plus, the World Cup is edging ever so closer. I hope Chiefs can keep this performance up and try to have some consistency. Last but not least, congratulations to Kambole for getting on the score sheet.

Marvin Matseke-Mabula, Burgersfort, Leboeng-Rutseng

Kaizer Motaung received the biggest gift for his 77th birthday. It was far more than a cake. It was a special football meal prepared by his boys at Soccer City Stadium. Dolly, Billiat and Kambole scored an avalanche of goals to ensure that Chiefs got maximum points for the second time in the DStv Premiership this season. Now the writing is on the wall that Akpeyi is our first-choice goalkeeper. He made some important saves to deny Chippa, much to the sorrow of his former coach. The fact that Chiefs took advantage of the errors committed by the opposition defence and scored crucial goals means that their coach has finally found a winning combination. The Soweto giants have the potential to challenge for the league championship and give Sundowns tough competition. Dolly & Co. are scoring goals like it’s going out of fashion. What will happen when the likes of Castro and Nurkovic are back in strong form? I guess opposition teams will find it difficult to stop them. Abuyile Amakhosi! Vuyisile Bovu, Cofimvaba

Chiefs is the most celebrated team in the country, even more so after winning a match. Our rivals always mock us every time we celebrate a

victory and forget that it’s attached in our bloodline to preserve such gesture. The victory over Chippa came at a time when coach Baxter was deemed incapable of performing his duty, though initially perceived as a Messiah. We felt timid and agitated with his mediocre style of play that dragged us into defeats, but this win is a reprieve and instils confidence in the team. We played well, with fluidity and great movement going forward, something that was missing. The FIFA break helped the team to improve on how to play. We saw the Dolly and Billiat combo reignited – what nostalgia! Baxter is reputed to get the best out of players when the opportunity presents itself and we hope for the best with the players who felt less motivated. We’ve assembled the best team thus far, but we haven’t seen top football on the field yet. It’s up to the coach to make these players familiar with his playing philosophy so that we may start firing on all cylinders.

Wandile Mtana, Uitenhage

I’m not a Khosi Nation fan, but I want to congratulate them for the outstanding performance they displayed on the weekend. I liked

it. It looks like they have a good combination going, especially up front. They played as a team, so my wish is that the coach can find a replacement for Parker. Yes, he’s still doing a great job, but he lacks a lot of pace. Dolly will wake Billiat up. Just give them game-time together and they will reconnect. Coach Baxter must work on the starting XI that played against Chippa, then I believe that Chiefs will rise again. By the way, it was a great birthday present to the chairman, Bra Kaizer. Thank you.

Thusego Babath Pitse, Dipompong

If the combination and understanding of the BD against Chippa is anything to go by, then one would be excused for being tempted to add the C to it. They are our potential source of goals. Castro is better suited to the system that was used against Chippa because, unlike Nurkovic, he’s not one-dimensional. He can hold the ball up and bring attackers into play. Baxter is trying hard to turn Nurkovic into Nkhatha when they don’t have the same qualities. The latter had speed, strength and stamina to play wide into channels. Nurkovic tires quickly, hence he should strictly be a box player. He is being overworked and wasted on the side. Hopefully Castro will make a return earlier than Nurkovic so they can work more on the CBD combination. I still hate the fact that Chiefs, for a big team, always allow the opposition back into the game as was the case against Chippa. We are not bossy and dominant enough like we should be.

Lucky Khunou, Meriting

Dolly has arrived at Naturena. He is a hard worker, a true professional. That’s the kinda player Billiat asked for next to him. Ngcobo is in defence, so Mathoho better work harder, otherwise he’ll join Cardoso on the bench. Billiat and Dolly are going to be the ones who are going to make Kambole the good striker he is.

Leon White, via email

After being stressed by Man United, Chiefs were there to anoint my scars. It was a visit to forget for coach Hunt to FNB Stadium, with the home side scoring four unanswered goals against the Chilli Boys, Dolly scoring a brace and providing one for Billiat, while the latter assisted two goals for Dolly and managed to get on the score sheet himself. Dolly is quickly getting back to his full fitness and the telepathic partnership that he and Billiat are forming is still going to hurt a lot of teams. Should Hunt be worried about the security of his job or did I read too much into Chippa’s murmuring from the stands? I can’t wait for the return of Castro from injury to form the great CBD. The boys have delivered the present for your birthday, Chairman “Chincha Guluva”.

Siyabonga Nkalambela, Delft

Chiefs and Man United never cease to amaze me, but with Amakhosi, it was a lovely surprise. They beat their nemesis Chippa hands down, 4-0. I’m very happy for Dolly since a lot was said about his weight, but he is silently proving critics wrong. The misfiring Billiat was also on the score sheet, which will serve as a huge morale booster after so many failed attempts. I could not believe that Kambole, of all players, also netted. I just pray my team build on this win and collect more points. I cannot even remember when last we had scored four goals. As for Man United, their on-and-off performance will leave you paralysed. If they continue dropping points like this, the under-fire Ole will soon join the unemployment queue.

Amos Tshukudu, Ga Maria

Amakhosi gave an inspired performance on Saturday evening, befitting of a true living legend that is Kaizer Motaung. Happy belated birthday, “Chincha Guluva”. The boys added the cherry on top of your 77th birthday cake. I write under correction, but you are the only chairman in the PSL who is a former player and not only plied his trade overseas but literally formed his team from scratch. You are knocking hard on being an octogenarian. May you live to see many more years, Sir K. You’ve not been bestowed with any honorary titles despite your immense contribution to the development of football in Mzansi. Typical of our country, the powers that be are waiting for the day that you will be no more to start showering you with praises. A meaningless exercise, in my view. We as the true Khosi supporters celebrate you now, big chief. To the boys, let this scintillating performance you dished out this past Saturday not be a onceoff thing. We need more consistent performances. I thank you.

George Sithole, Honeydew

I think the FIFA break helped Chiefs to regroup. What a game on Saturday night! I hope this is the start of good things to happen. The goals are what we as supporters want to see. We are happy. Congratulations, Glamour Boys, for the beautiful game, three points and clean sheet. Shapa Khosi shapa! Nyambeni Samson Khuphani, Tshiawelo Ext 5

Thank you, Sir Baxter, for restoring the dignity of the Mighty Amakhosi in the football fraternity. I think that win was not fake or a ruse to make us, the supporters, relax or to back off from the coach. Even a blind man can see that team has quality this season, and what is left is for the coach to use that quality in a good way. The coach must stop favouritism and play players on merit. If he can do that well, Chiefs can be amongst the ones fighting to be crowned champions at the end of the season. I think the Chippa game was the turning point. No time to relax, they must start collecting more points. Nghamula Rikhotso-Nkonwana, Mageva village

I haven’t seen a coach as useless as Baxter in a very long time. He continues to play Njabulo Ngcobo out of position, with the hope of frustrating him. He should be a sweeper in a 5-3-2 formation since he’s a defensive coach. Mathoho has proven himself useless in defence, yet he doesn’t miss a single game. Chiefs are the only team I know of to have insulted the captain’s armband. How on earth do you give that “cow” such a huge responsibility? For starters, he shouldn’t be in that starting line-up. Agay is another one surplus to requirements. What an opportunity to use the likes of Radebe and Mashiane after leading 2-0. I’m sorry, Baxter will never win anything for this team. Kambole is starting next game, mark my words.

Hofmeyr Kwitshana, via email

To the Khosi Nation and doubting Thomases, we may have different opinions about how the team should play and who should be in the starting XI, but only Baxter and his technical team are at the training ground and are more qualified to make informed decisions. Let’s give the coach a chance. Nange, please, boy, give us your all. Don’t hold back. Where are those long-range shots that you’re known for, along with Hlompho Kekana and Teboho Mokoena? Well done on your victory over the Chilli Boys.

Mpho Raseroke, Hammanskraal

Oh, what a great present from the entire team to Mr Kaizer Motaung on his 77th birthday. Indeed, the chairman deserved nothing but three lovely points, escorted by four lovely goals. If the very same mentality, consistency and dedication can be applied in all our remaining games, we’re going to finish the season in an impressive position. And please don’t chop and change the squad unnecessarily. I must say, though, I was impressed by the combination of Dube and Ngcobo at the back.

Ofentse Kakapa Mahatlhe, Schweizer-Reneke

Is beating Chippa an indication that things are starting to come together for Chiefs? A better team was fielded this time around. At last, our No. 12 was on the field of play and Ngcobo played in his familiar position. Hmmm... let’s wait and see in the next four games, then we can say happy days are back at Chiefs.

Danny Moreo, Segakwana village, Moruleng

It is a known fact that football is unpredictable and has no “therefore”. Whilst this applies mostly to results, this can also apply to the way supporters view their rivals. It’s a fact of life that Pirates and Chiefs supporters don’t see eyeto-eye, metaphorically speaking. However, with Sundowns running rampant and killing roughshod over everybody else, I think it is the wish of every Pirates supporter to have a well-performing Chiefs so that opposition could be sterner. That’s why we as the Buccaneers congratulate our neighbours on their victory over Chippa.

Ephraim Sinxezi, Vanderbijlpark

GALLANT EFFORT

I’d like to acknowledge the positive outcomes of games involving Mzansi teams campaigning in continental competitions. AmaZulu FC did well by holding one of the African giants, TP Mazembe, to a goalless draw, but they must know that it’s not going to be easy in Lubumbashi. Anything is possible and they have to believe in themselves. Marumo Gallants also registered a positive result by beating AS Vita and, considering that they are the new kids on the block in CAF games, I really believe that they can make it away. Pirates need to win their game here at home and they must not allow their opponents to score. As for Sundowns, they have a better chance to advance to the next stage as they carry a two-goal advantage. Let all our teams keep on flying our flag very high. We are behind them.

Madimetja Vic Mashamaite, Renstown

Our CAF representatives did fairly well over the weekend, considering that none of them lost a game. The result that stood out was Marumo Gallants defeating Congolese giants AS Vita. However, it won’t be easy in the return leg in Kinshasa, but if they hold out for a draw, it will be the best result ever for the Limpopo-based side. AmaZulu FC will also not have it easy against Mazembe. Let’s hope referees are fair on the day, given what has happened in the past to traveling teams.

I think Sundowns and Pirates have a better chance of advancing if they don’t undermine their opposition.

Sundani Ratombo, ha Madodonga

Let me start by extolling Gallants for their 2-1 victory against AS Vita in their maiden CAF Confederation Cup game. I beseech SAFA to also make it mandatory for all PSL coaches and their lieutenants to possess CAF or FIFA qualifications in order to be at the helm of any team. My point being, Gallants roping in SAFA coaching instructor Raymond Mdaka as interim coach to sit in the dugout because Maleka, Mathebula and technical director Chueu were devoid of such qualifications is absolute balderdash. It is no excuse that Migné and his assistant Loscuito left them in the lurch. We always boast that our league is amongst the best-administered in the whole world, but such developments make me think otherwise. I hope my plea will not fall on deaf ears. Lastly, deepest condolences to the Maselesele clan and friends for the untimely and gruesome death of Lucky “Romario” Maselesele. May his departed soul repose in perfect peace.

Papi Netshivhale, Bloemfontein and Sharpeville

Quick One-Two’s

Now I’m starting to feel sorry for Hunt for the way things are unfolding at Chippa. I think the sale of Wits was a curse for him. Everything started right there and now his profile is taking a huge knock. Our clubs doesn’t practice patience when it comes to our coaches. Chiefs shouldn’t have fired him because they knew the situation they were faced with in terms of signing new players. Coach Gavin doesn’t deserve to be coaching Chippa. Not to say I’m looking down on the club, but Gavin has worked so hard to be where he is and he’s now a brand in SA football. To be humiliated like the way it’s happening at Chippa is not doing him any justice and it’s a big dent to his CV. Some of the teams are going to be sceptical now when it comes to coach Gavin, not understanding the type of players he’s having at Chippa. The club is not in the mould of the Big Three when it comes to finances and that’s a huge disadvantage to Gavin. I saw Mr Mpengesi during the Chiefs game – he looked unimpressed. Sooner or later, he’s going to pull the trigger. Maybe as you are reading this piece, Gavin is gone!

Sibusiso Khumalo, Melmoth, KZN

I don’t think Hunt knows who Mr Mpengesi is. Gavin, Mpengesi is the chairman of Chippa United! He hires and fires at will. If the team continues losing games, then he’s about to show you the door. I’m worried about how you keep losing games. Chiefs were not superior go Chippa, but the latter played very poorly. That’s not your style, losing games so cheaply. Do better or else Mpengesi will intervene soon. Remember this club is the Eastern Cape’s only hope.

Terah Maqepula, Mount Fletcher

We understand that that referees are human beings and, like all of us, they are prone to the occasional error. They are soccer lovers and they have their favourite teams, as in the case of Jelly Chavani. For, it is an open secret that he is a Chiefs supporter. But we expect him to be professional and not biased. Why can’t he learn from Hlungwani, who is a Pirates supporter but never gives them any favours? Actually, he even becomes harder on them. As for Chavani, he must just be fired from the Beautiful Game as he is killing the joy of our soccer, and it will ensure he does not repeat his glaring offences. Suspending him does not help. Musa Carlton Dlamini, Polokwane

Njabulo Ngcobo is a victim of peer pressure from yesteryear heroes, especially those who played for Chiefs and Pirates. Look at him now, reigning Defender of the Season being a benchwarmer or played out of position. When De Reuck joined Sundowns, they said it was the beginning of the end of his promising career, but the boy is now shining like a diamond for both club and country. The very same thing was said when Maboe, Lebusa and Morena, to mention just three, joined the Brazilians. The so-called legends are jealous of Sundowns and are always discouraging every player the team signs. Now they always question why Maluleka isn’t playing, forgetting there are a lot of players who join the team and succeed. Think of Billiat, Dolly, Maboe, Morena and Lakay. Why can’t they question why Ndlovu isn’t playing at Pirates? He was once a darling of Maritzburg, with lots of talent, but where is he now? What happened to Ntshangase at the Mighty Amakhosi? I rest my case.

Tente Mokoka, Sepharane

Our football can go far and be compared with European football if SAFA can take care of our local coaches at grassroots level. It pains us as coaches at that level producing good and

quality youngsters, yet not being recognised or taken care of. We’re doing a good job in the Local Football Associations with D and C Licences. Please, let SAFA do something and appreciate what we are doing. We are not even being called and maybe awarded or given something to put on the table for our families so that we can grow into the future. Really, all these teams are getting players from us as LFA coaches.

Dilly Nzeku, North West

If you manage to get in contact with the Bafana Bafana coach, please get him to consider the following players for the last two World Cup qualifying games: Philippe Sandler, Luther Singh, Khanya Leshabela, Percy Tau, Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole, Thabo Cele, Thibang Phete, Thulani Serero, Lars Veldwijk, Lebogang Phiri, Gift Links, Liam Jordan, Bongani Zungu, Lyle Foster, Lorenzo Gordinho, Kamohelo Mokotjo. Abraham Nteba Fourie, via email

We have, for many years as a country, been trying to do introspection as to where we’ve gone wrong, from being African champions in 1996 and being ranked in the Top 20 in the world. Since then, it’s been a downward spiral, until we got to a stage where we had totally lost our identity, where anyone who had coaching credentials was good enough for Bafana. It took a 69-year-old Belgian, who was lambasted from day one because we actually didn’t know how to channel our frustration, to ignite hope. He came here and did the unthinkable. He selected a squad none of us football pundits would have dared even attempt to put on paper and pronounce to the nation as we would be crucified by the country for leaving out fan-favourites. Ted Dumitru once tried this out but was unfortunately knocked out without scoring a goal in Afcon 2006 and was crucified for including the likes of Shabba and Masilela, who were playing in the NFD. I hope we’ve learned our lesson and give Broos all the support he deserves. One great thing about his team is that even if he doesn’t qualify for Qatar 2022, at least he can continue with the same team to the 2026 World Cup and beyond.

Zola Bashin Kati, Zwelitsha

On behalf of the community of Vaalbank, I send my heartfelt condolences to the family of Lucky Maselesele and football lovers after his untimely passing. My worry is that in SA, we

only celebrate our icons when they are no more. Dr JS Moroka Municipality must stop resting on their laurels and renovate Kameelrivier Stadium to meet PSL standards so that TS Galaxy can come back from Mbombela Stadium. Upon completion, let them rename the stadium after our own Dr Esther Mahlangu while she is still alive.

Aphane JM, Libangeni/Vaalbank, KwaNdebele

Messi is a G.O.A.T (greatest of all-time). He’s played 938 games, scored 758 goals and assisted 389 times. Ronaldo has played 1 088 games, scored 794 goals and assisted 246 times. CR7 has played more games than his PSG counterpart, but the latter has contributed in most goals. Ronaldo does work similar to goalkeepers – just stand in the box and wait for the ball, while Messi is found everywhere, at 6, 8, 9 and 10. If we can remove penalty goals from Ronaldo’s stats, he would be left with 576 goals and if we do the same for Messi, he’d be left with 689 goals! So Messi is better than Ronaldo, case closed! Messi is a football god! He’s the one and only G.O.A.T in the football fraternity in the whole world, dare I add.

Kganthane R Lebaka, Ga-Phaahla-Makadikwe village