Make Your Point

A HOME FOR SOCCER LOVERS

One thing I have experienced from reading Soccer Laduma is the passion from the journalists. Lunga Adam was hired and joined this publication as a reader because of the quality of his letters to the editor. This, in itself, shows that readers are the boss and Soccer Laduma management value their boss. Nowadays, football is so boring, it’s no longer enjoyable and you can’t even write a good thing or two about our players. However, we still find more reasons to write to the editor and buy this paper. I’m very inspired by how this organization was started. This is a publication that has the ability to unite people. Sibusiso Khumalo, Batsirai Kativu, Lucky Khunou, Nyambeni Khuphani, Amos Tshukudu, George Sithole, Tente Mokoka, Vic Mashamaite, Siyabonga Nkalambela, Panyaza Ndlovu, Malesela Boya... the list is endless. Soccer Laduma is the platform that brought us together in one voice. If you hate and insult the supporters of other teams, you must be ashamed of yourself. Rise, Soccer Laduma, rise!

“Bhotsotso” Mkhize, Eshowe, Mpaphala, KZN BENSON’S BOMBSHELL

If the allegations by Benson Mhlongo that coaches get paid for getting players signed by clubs are true, then the very soul of promoting players from the amateur ranks to the professional scene is dead. This kills FIFA’s philosophy of Fair Play. It’s every young boy’s dream to one day sign a professional contract. Now children with talent and ability run the risk of not realising their dreams if they don’t have money to bribe coaches. Scouting used to be the preserve of scouts and coaches, but now agents hold the most power in football and determine which players turn professional and which clubs they sign for. Some clubs even prefer players from certain agencies. Mr Editor, if your grandmother was connected to the right agent, even she could play for a PSL team. That’s how bad the system is.

Akhona Ndletyana, Cape Town

“What is it you want to say at my funeral that you cannot say when I am still alive?” Only in Soccer Laduma. Kindly be informed that I will also put this on my will and join the Benson “Mayanga”

Mhlongo crusade. Oh, what a fair, firm and frank servant of the game. May the good Lord bless him abundantly and may he live long.

Isaac Moabi, via email

I’ve just read Benson Mhlongo’s interview in Soccer Laduma issue 1268. My word! This guy hits the nail on the head, from the owners having the last say because it’s their investment to lack of change. I remember meeting him once and he came off as abrupt, but after reflecting, he is as honest as they come. He doesn’t back down when he knows he’s right and his integrity cannot be challenged. He says things as he sees them. It will take a brave owner with high morals and a high level of integrity to employ him. If given the chance, Benson will produce players of a huge calibre and the owner would reap huge financial benefits. I’m not sure if we have those types of owners yet. Regarding coaches benefitting financially from player signings, that has been obvious for years but is a sore point and no one wants to visit that discussion. Anyways, that’s my piece regarding Mhlongo. May he be given the chance and prosper.

Ivor Van der Haer, via email HAYIBO, SADDAM!

Saddam, we as the 57 Mamelodi Sundowns supporters are happy, but you and your fellow friends will be killed by the jealousy you have for our club. That 20% you say Sundowns can only make in attendance also applies to Chiefs as FNB Stadium is never even quarter-full unless you are playing biggames. Otla bolawa ke pelo, Ntate.

Thebeetsile Modisaemang, Protea Glen

Saddam’s interview cannot go unchallenged. For him to say 50% attendance applies only to Chiefs and Pirates because only 20% belongs to Sundowns proves age is catching up with him. Downs faithful have been attending games in numbers, chanting, dancing and singing regardless of the team’s results. The old man is bitter that his beloved Chiefs is no longer a force to be reckoned with. The very same 57 supporters he’s talking about are guaranteed silverware every season, whereas 50% teams only celebrate filling FNB Stadium to capacity during derby games. Who elected him as president of SANASU and who did he succeed? Or was he elected unopposed? How many members does SANASU have? Where and when was it formed? The only supporters association we know is National Football Supporters Association, an organisation 90% of Soccer Laduma readers are members of, myself included. Being the biggest soccer publication in Africa, I’m sure Soccer Laduma would have been the first to know about SANASU or the elections. I personally would like to know why he ran away from National Football Supporters Association. Someone tell Saddam, together with Mama Joy, that they aren’t representing our best interests but are selling Mzansi football supporters out.

Tente Mokoka, Sepharane I DISAGREE, DOC

Mntungwa, the more you try to justify the incident that happened after the Bafana vs France game, the more I get confused and I think in a way, you’re also contradicting yourself. Apartheid and us being excluded from international football still doesn’t justify what happened because there is always the first time that you’re going to play against superstars or players that you idolise. So, do you want to tell me that every time such an opportunity presents itself, you’re going to act in that manner? We’re not lambasting the boys for asking for jerseys but for taking selfies immediately after the game. You cannot be embarrassed with a big score and still manage to smile as if nothing happened. This simply means their focus and planning were divided. On the one side, they were supposed to focus on thegame,andontheother,they kept their phones on the bench so they could pounce on the moment.

All along, I had thought phones are kept away in a safe place hours before the game. Couldn’t they have asked for permission to visit France’s dressing room after the game? I can’t imagine Jali smiling and taking selfies after the game. With his aggressiveness and arrogance, never! Sorry, Mntungwa, this time I refuse to be in your corner and, like you say, this Beautiful Game is of different opinions.

Siyabonga Nkalambela, Delft CUP OF DREAMS, SEMIS SERVED…

Royal AM are proving beyond reasonable doubt that they are not in the DStv Premiership to add numbers. They have been the most consistent team, apart from Sundowns. When their chairlady bought Celtic’s topflight status, a lot of soccer fanatics were not impressed given the history of the latter but are now appreciating what she has done with the team. If they keep up these performances, maybe they can try to wrestle Sundowns because the Soweto giants don’t look like doing that anytime soon. With every passing season, we have been hoping for either of the two to challenge Downs, but the wait continues. Good luck to Royal AM and the other semi-finalists.

On a rainy Sunday, I had to sacrifice going to church and run the 48km Irene Ultra Marathon in preparation for the Comrades Marathon in August. Later, I watched the Nedbank Cup as Tuks let a 2-0 first half lead slip through their fingers in pouring conditions. It was a brave second half fight by Royal AM, led by talisman Letsoalo, who scored a brace. And just as we thought the game was headed for extra time, charismatic MaMkhize’s team did what they do best (scoring during the last minutes of the second half). Congrats to all semi-finalists, especially the Limpopo province with two teams. Lastly, by the time you read this epistle, Bayern and Real Madrid would have confirmed their Champions League semifinals berths. Take it from me!

Amos Tshukudu, Ga-Maria

Love her or hate her, MaMkhize and her Royal AM team are in the house and their presence is now felt. I wish them the best of luck in the Nedbank Cup semifinal against Sundowns, and it is my fervent hope that they go all the way and lift it. That is if they don’t meet Gallants in the final. At the end of the day, if Gallants play in the final, you can rest assured that Malesela will win it. I like that some soccer fans, after Sunday’s semi-final draw, gave Royal AM a new name, calling MaMkhize’s team “Royal Chiefs”. As a Chiefs supporter, I don’t have a problem with that because traditionally, you can’t be a Chief if you don’t have Royal blood. Get my point?

Mompati Panyaza Ndlovu, Lekubu Village, Zeerust

Great performance once again by Bafana Ba Style against an unknown Summerfield Dynamos team. The technical team made a lot of changes to the starting line-up and the players who were given an opportunity didn’t disappoint. It’s so clear that there’s a lot of good and hard work done behind the scenes. It’s not easy to keep all the players fit, especially those who get limited game-time, but at Sundowns, it’s totally different as every player is fit and ready to deliver when called upon. We’ve already won the MTN8, the DStv Premiership is in the cabinet already and we just need to fight for the two remaining trophies in the form of the CAF Champions League and the Nedbank Cup. It’s very nice to watch Sundowns playing because of how they move the ball around and score goals. Congratulations on the hard-fought victory against Swallows FC.

The way Sundowns win with ease against any team, whether it is from the elite league or the lower division, is just amazing. It clearly indicates that the team is not complacent and gives every opponent the respect it deserves. One can be forgiven for saying that this Nedbank Cup is going Sundowns’ way. Congratulations to them for beating the lower division team with ease. Indeed, the sky is the limit. Erasmus is gaining confidence and scoring goals. We all know his ability.

Thapelo Masiapata, Ramaroka village (Bolobedu)

Yes, the Nedbank Cup is full of surprises and this is the cup where giant-killers emerge. TTM made a great comeback after they went 2-0 down against SuperSport. They kept on fighting and it paid off. Their supporters were so encouraging, cheering their team on and it worked like a charm. As for Matsatsantsa, I don’t know what is going on there. Well, I suppose it’s true that a two-goal lead is the most dangerous score line in football. I really feel for coach Kaitano as he has a very young team, but that’s not an excuse as when you swim with the sharks, you must man up. I’m not sure if I agree with him on the supposed lack of leadership in his team. What I’ve noticed, instead, is that SuperSport are struggling nowadays. They failed to manage the game and to wrap it up. They were beaten by a dedicated, commitment team, with a charismatic coach adorned in military attire. No wonder his charges went all out. Well done to Vhadau Vha Damani.

Madimetja Vic Mashamaite, Renstown

Whenever the Nedbank Cup comes around, there are always surprises, just like it is the case in England with the FA Cup. SuperSport were leading TTM by 2-0, only for a comeback by the latter to ensure they win the game. Congratulations to them, they deserved to triumph. When we move over to the Premier League, Man United and Arsenal always disappoint their fans. It seems as if they just play and don’t even care. Their standard now is below par.

Nyambeni Samson Khuphani, Tshiawelo Ext 5

Sundowns are such a dominant outfit. Though it was summer, judging by the weather conditions on the day, on the field it was raining goals against Summerfield Dynamos. Larsen did not see that one coming. Erasmus and his teammates were all over their opponents like chicken pox. Sundowns are a beast not just in South Africa but in Africa as well. The unstoppable Downs train keeps moving.

Moses Mokoena, Ga-Mokwakwaila

Congrats to all teams who’ve made it to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals. Tuks v Royal AM was quite exciting. MaMkhize’s team has got the magic. Against Sundowns, it’s going to be do-or-die. Both teams are looking strong. Sundowns, having scored five goals against Summerfield Dynamos, show they plan on taking all trophies on offer, and it will take something special to stop them. When you watch them play, their moves on the field are amazing. I’d like to see SAFA organise a game between Sundowns and Bafana Bafana. I keep on asking myself where is the Bafana of 1996 that won the Afcon? Why are the players of today not improving? It would be good to see our national team qualify for the next Afcon and the 2026 World Cup.

Isaac Tsenene, Gqeberha Quick One-Two’s

Whilst watching Bafana vs France, what I noticed is what none of our SAFA bosses saw, that nothing beats development because at that level, when you’re properly developed, you know how to win the ball, how to keep possession, how to rotate the ball for the benefit of the team. That is because all 20 infield players only have one soccer ball to play with, but we were badly exposed and embarrassed on the night. This is exactly what I once said, that sponsors that only pump their money without watching the final product are just like SAFA, as they should worry about what we saw and ask for future plans to remedy that mediocrity. Same is needed in my favourite topic, refereeing. Even a creche kid, unlike some who were tweeting about “fair” penalties, would know that soccer is a contact sport and ask that our referees, for once in a while, take their time to watch international games to learn as they have no one to teach them. Those weekend penalties in two consecutive games were never penalties even in a million years and this simply means, instead of fighting for positions, SAFA must start developing the game as in yesterday.

Romario Koos Machacha, Emalahleni

Phew, what a beating we received in France! I am always amazed at how soccer commentators can

be hypocritical sometimes. Their assessment of matches is very dodgy. Yes, we got at beating of our lives, literally because this is only the second time we got such a beating in our lifetime, after Brazil also scored five against a hapless Williams. People forget that being outclassed is part of the game. Recently, Real were flattened by Barca and Brazil massacred by Germany by seven goals in a World Cup nogal. Did we hear anyone say the gulf in class is so big? No, it was, “Brazil had a bad day”. C’mon, guys, we beat the very same France in a World Cup, held our own against Spain in a World Cup and beat them in the Confederations Cup! Remember how Jomo made a tactical blunder? Who will forget Mdokies, the lord of the game, bossing Brazil! We were 2-0 up and still bossing them with Romario and Bebeto up front, ‘til a blunder by Clive Barker. Quote me anytime, we’ve always more than held our own against the best in the world. Ja, we had a bad day in the office! No one should dare say “nye nyulf” is too big. Big my foot! The low point, of course, was the selfie-taking. Stop that nonsense! If you see yourself that small, bloody stay in the amateurs instead of shaming your country. Otherwise, I’m behind my country 100%!

South Africans are, by and large, denialists. Our football is now mediocre by both world and African standards. We seem to confuse our resources and administrative abilities with the quality of the product produced on the field of play. When you watch European football and South African football, the difference is so huge that Mzansi teams could only compete in the English third tier. What we are watching in the PSL is not football. There is no talent in the PSL anymore. Imagine the likes of Sirino and Mendieta, who both come from South America, displaying our own kind of football in the PSL, whilst our own teams don’t want to give our talented players a chance to play their original South African football. There is nothing exciting about PSL matches anymore. But watching Sundowns play is really beautiful. I think it is the only team that plays the best football in the PSL.

Kganthane “Putin” Lebaka, Mamoshalele Section C

There is nothing that excites me like seeing PSL teams giving young players an opportunity. One of the teams that is doing the Lord’s work when it comes to that is Maritzburg. They have a group of young and promising players, the likes of Dlamuka, Bhengu and Zondi. Chippa have Matrose and Mbonani. Arrows have been doing a great job in that regard too. Sekhukhune United are also worth a mention, but I’m not happy with the big teams. The likes of Sundowns, Chiefs and Pirates are not doing what they’re supposed to be doing. They have a tendency of introducing young players who come and shine for the shortest time and disappear. Let’s see our young and upcoming stars given a chance to play in their senior teams.

Mzokhona Mduduzi Gcabashe, Mkhambathini

Sometimes I fail to understand what goes on in the minds of our local coaches. You have players who were on song last season, but we have not seen a glimpse of them in this current campaign. I’ll mention only two players here, but believe you me, there’s a lot of such talented players idling their feet in the grandstands. Mhango for Pirates and Zuma for Chiefs. These are players who can win you games any day, but our coaches seem to care less about them in this campaign. Why would coaches make their jobs so difficult when it sometimes looks so easy? I’d prefer a player who’ll win me games even when he has attitude problems than a player who’s on the straight and narrow but shooting blanks. Players like Jabu Pule (now Mahlangu) come to mind. He’d dance the night away and come back to the hotel in the wee hours of the morning and perform like a player who had rested eight full hours.

Nafie Moloantoa, Kwa-Thema

Every time a player comes back home after plying his trade abroad, it’s either he’s finished or aged, but allow me to applaud two returnees who did exactly the opposite: Jali and Dolly. They’ve achieved a lot in their career both locally and abroad,. It’s not often that a player coming back from abroad goes on to perform like these two are doing. No wonder they’re both my contenders for Footballer of the Season award, even though you can write Shalulile off at your own peril. After all, the latter is the first player to score a hat-trick this season and has a chance to surpass the 20goal mark in the league. And on a different note, Mr Editor, I suggest we have our own monthly column where we are told of how the readers’ meetings went as not all of us can make it there for different reasons. Some are based out of Limpopo and others can’t afford the entrance fee or transport to and from the venue because we’re unemployed.

As long as this man named Stuart Baxter is still Chiefs coach, it will always end in tears as far as the results are concerned. After the Galaxy game, he said the Chiefs shirt is weighing heavily on the players. That was his excuse for not winning the match. What nonsense is that? Firstly, he’s clueless when it comes to coaching and understanding Chiefs’ culture. Secondly, he’s stubborn. He must understand that he can’t mix the squad the way he does. He needs to field players that can understand one another better. I know this is an insult to him, but he must allow them freedom of expression on the field and stop these boring long ball methods. Playing Parker and the other old rigid players is his major downfall, period. He’ll forever lose games the way he’s going on about things. The best thing for him is to quit. We’ve seen enough of him.

Hofmeyr Kwitshana, via email

Chiefs need to build the team around the following players: Petersen, Bvuma, Mabiliso, Blom, Mashiane, Baccus, the two Ngcobos, Frosler, Dube, Radebe, Macheke, Dolly, Sithebe, Zuma, Ngezana, Milanzi, Zwane, McCarthy, Sifama, Mokoena and all the other youngsters.

Neo Mahlangu, Tembisa

I think Advocate Majavu is baying for Chiefs’ blood by bringing fresh charges for fielding two ineligible players against Sekhukhune. The Glamour Boys started pressing panicking buttons after they failed to honour their league fixtures against City and Arrows, citing myriad COVID-19 cases. The Iron Duke has vehemently stated that since the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, the League has provided the clubs with the latitude to use the reserve team players. I really don’t see anything wrong with Chiefs’ conduct in this matter because the chairman is yet to make any pronouncements on whether this rule still applies or not to the current campaign. What gets me hot under the collar is that those players were unused substitutes and did not have any impact on the outcome of the game. Mr Majavu must stop proving too much that he is a new sheriff in town and start acquainting himself with the PSL handbook, compliance manual and the resolutions made by the executive committee. Lastly, I’d like to quote the following maxim to him: “ignorantia juris non excusat” (ignorance of the law is no excuse). But also, the law does not concern itself with trivialities and such conduct will bring our league into disrepute.

It was delightful to see Maluleka appearing in the Soccer Laduma Team of the Week and being named Player of the Week in last week’s edition, for he deserved it. He produced a stellar performance and crucially scored the first goal when Sundowns thrashed Al-Merrikh. His stamina suffocated the passing fluidity of the Sudanese giants. His latest purple patch must come as a relief for the industrious midfielder, after a long period of obscurity since his arrival from Chiefs. He is highly commended for showing patience and resilience when he was not getting game-time. He demonstrated true sportsmanship. Typically, Maluleka was not peeved or complaining through the media when he warmed the bench for so long. Rather, he attended training and club activities with cheerfulness and grace. He has set a good precedent that no matter how long a player lacks game-time, he must exercise patience. Here’s hoping the Sundowns coaching trio will give him more game-time to rediscover his mojo.

Batsirai Kativu, Johannesburg

What double standard and contradiction we observe with reference made about Benni’s outspokenness. Being so experienced as a player does not mean it’s going to be as pleasant being a coach because it’s not the same. These local players are cry-babies, stubborn to learn and take it way too personal when constructively criticized. That’s why France beat Bafana Bafana so easily because these players think they know it all. In comparison with McCarty, they know nothing. Benni must stop frustrating himself with some of these South African players and go where there is quality that matches his ambitions when he used to be a player. Keep on being

outspoken because it’s true and factual and anyone who questions him can google to verify Benni’s statements. South African players are lazy, unprofessional and not teachable. Let them fail. Benni has done and seen it all. It’s either you take his advice or ignore it, but don’t make him a bad person or coach.

On a weekend dominated by wet weather, Sundowns did not allow the elements to dampen their spirits, for they went all out and continued with their dominance on the local scene. What we saw was pure decoration of beautiful football and ruthlessness in attack. There is no stopping them at the moment and, as they make their way to Angola in search of a second continental title, there’s no denying that they are a force to be reckoned with. They are a well-coached side and no matter what changes they make, the results remain the same, never mind painting beautiful pictures on the pitch with their style of play. Theirs is an envy of many a rival fan out there. Many a local team has struggled to balance continental football and local games, but with the treble well within their grasp, Sundowns have shown the way and now more teams can see the light. As a Pirates fan, it is a hard watch, but sometimes all you have to do is see the light from afar and hope tomorrow the footballing gods are going to let the light shine your way.

Pamani B Tshuma, via email

Having to watch the match against Sundowns, I am convinced that Swallows FC will still be here next season. The only concern is that they don’t shoot at goal and the defence is too weak.

Maapolokoane Monashane, Turkey Sekororo

The title chase in the EPL is nerve-wracking. Now the two teams decided to keep us in suspense with seven games left to play, playing to a 2-all draw, still with a point separating them. One is going to crack under pressure sooner or later. This game was seen as a title decider by most. First, it was Jota who took the responsibility of scoring in the absence of Mane and Salah, then came Diaz and shared the responsibility. They went about it quietly since January and closed a 14-point lead between them and the Citizens. Remarkably commendable! For this reason, I’m rooting for Liverpool to win it.

Lucky Khunou, Meriting

Man City are now the direct rivals of Liverpool and both clubs are stupendous forces in English football. They’ve changed the face of

the game and how people perceive the game. Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal are living in the shadows of these two clubs and no longer match their standards. Admittedly, the oil money that has been invested into Man City’s coffers has revived the club’s fortunes and turned them into a dominant force. It’s not just money that’s the driving force there, though, but also the ambitions that enable them to attract top players and coaches. Their brilliantly fluid style has seen to it that they obliterate all in front of them domestically. De Bruyne is so far ahead of his contemporaries that instead of debating his status in the modern game, the discussion has turned to his place in history. His passing and vision is the best in world football and he’s played an influential role in City victories. The acquisition of Guardiola was geared towards extending the current generation’s reputation as the most dominant era in the club’s history into the future. Pep has now won more titles than he has lost matches in a season as City coach. With such a great team, the curse of the Champions League will soon turn to glory. Wandile Mtana, Uitenhage

It is sad and a big loss to the football fraternity. John “Black” Madumo was well-known by all football lovers. He united Sundowns’ Yellow family using his drum at the stadiums. Losing him at a time when supporters are allowed back to the stadium is painful. I imagine what his plan was after hearing that supporters would soon be back, never thinking that he wouldn’t see his team nor use his drum again. At least Sundowns supporters came out in numbers to say goodbye to their family member over the weekend. My condolences to his family, relatives, friends and all those who were close to him. Terah Maqepula, Mount Fletcher