Time to brace yourselves…
To all Doctor Khumalo column readers and the Soccer Laduma readers, I have noticed some mixed feelings about what I said in last week’s column. I thought I made it clear that the column wasn’t coming to an end and that there were changes that were going to be implemented in it. However, a lot of people I have interacted with seem to think I have come to an end of my relationship with this wonderful newspaper. That’s not true and there will be changes, as from next week, in the look and the content of the column. I’m still around and, like I said, I’m sure you are going to enjoy the changes.
I’d like to thank all the readers who have always shown their support and even reacted to my content in different ways and methods. Your support never goes unnoticed and I also want to thank you for continuously buying Soccer Laduma so that you can enjoy my column, among other features in the newspaper. Yes, there is always positive and negative feedback from the readers but, at the end of the day, that’s what it all comes down to.
If I were to focus more on the negative, I would lose focus and derail my progress and assignment. The fortunate part about the whole thing is that a lot of people have benefitted from this column in so many ways. It is so surprising for an individual to be boldly announcing themselves as people who have been with Soccer Laduma since 2002 and they are so negative about my column. You know the relationship
I have with this publication over the years and I’m sure I wouldn’t still be part of this family if we were not good for one another. You don’t fix what is not broken, but that criticism from this person has actually made them irrelevant. Usually, I don’t like to respond to such, but I thought I should, at least, put this person in their place. Why is it a problem for you if I’ve been with this publication for so long, when almost everyone else is happy about this relationship? Could it be that you have a personal vendetta against Doctor Khumalo? Let me tell you, I’m still here because of the great working relationship I have with this publication and the proof is in the pudding. I’m doing a lot of good things for our readers here, so for you to come with your negative attitude really leaves a bitter taste. I’m not even going to mention your name because you know who you are and you will know that I’m talking to you when you read this column.
Anyway, let’s focus on the positive and leave the negative to those who enjoy it. I just thought I’d straighten things up. I don’t like anyone taking advantage of the person that I am. There’s also nothing sinister about my column, all the views I express here are genuine and I’m never biased. To see that my long-standing relationship with Soccer Laduma is a bitter pill for some people is just sad. Once again, for this relationship to continue throughout all these years, it means both parties are happy and that our readers enjoy what they get from my involvement with the publication. Unfortunately for you, our relationship is only getting better and stronger, so I am here to stay.
On changes
It is time now for you to brace yourselves for some untold stories that happened during my football career. I will be sharing content you’ve not heard before and I have already listed a couple of stories that I will be sharing with you. I will also enlist the services of guest columnists, with some influential figures from all spheres of life making an appearance in this space for your enjoyment. I’m not joking when I say you are going to enjoy what’s in store for you and you better believe me. Let me not give you the whole story of what is to come because that will spoil the suspense, so I think I have given you more than enough to digest so far already.
The changes are going to make you happy and leave you wishing for more. It is content that none of you will have known about. We are not going to fabricate stories and gossip – no, we are just going to have fun and bring a lot of excitement to you in this space. Believe it or not, I also want to interact with you guys on a more regular basis this time around, where you will be asking me questions and I will respond. You can use the editor’s email adnotice, dress for now, until further to send those questions and be on the lookout for my response. The last week of the month will be dedicated to a legend and that will either be a local, continental or even international legend from the long list of legends that I have access to. I will confirm the legend two weeks in advance so that if you have any questions you’d like to ask them, you have enough time to send them through and we take it from there. I’m really excited about what’s coming and you will enjoy it. You must remember that these are people from all over the world and we will not be limited to football only. No, expect to hear from very interesting figures, but our conversations will always be around the Beautiful Game. I look forward to the interaction and we are going to have fun, that’s one thing for sure.
I hope we will continue to learn more about football so that we expand our knowledge about this game and discuss things that have not been said anywhere else. So, please keep those questions coming and I will get back to you. This is an opportunity to address things that have always been bothering you, questions you’d have liked to ask me but couldn’t get a chance to do so.
On MTN8 semis
The MTN8 semi-finals draw took place on Monday night and saw Orlando Pirates hosting Mamelodi Sundowns in the first fixture, with Kaizer Chiefs at home against AmaZulu FC in the second. As much as people had their say and preferences, once you get to this stage it doesn’t matter who you draw because you have to get through the best to become the best. Don’t underestimate Usuthu and think they are the least dangerous of the four teams, you’d be making your biggest mistake because coach Brandon Truter and his technical team have been doing a marvelous with that team. Football excitement is back and this is what we are all about. We expect fireworks and we are getting to a point where all the games will be intense and bring out the best in everyone. We all look forward to what should be really exciting MTN8 semi-finals in October.