VEEJAY AND DJ…

He has a future in that position Abednego Netshiozwi – Former Orlando Pirates left back

I thoroughly enjoyed Vuyani Joni’s interview with DJ Naves. It just brought back those memories. To say it was insightful and inspiring is an understatement, it was really spectacular. I can understand the love he has for Mamelodi Sundowns. I also fell in love for the same reasons: colour of the jersey and the style of play. My hero was Zane Moosa. Well done, Soccer Laduma, for that interview. Now I love DJ Naves even more! Monde Mjila, Tabankulu

GREAT FEEDBACK, INTERESTING SUGGESTION

I hope that this email finds you well. I have always been asking myself questions that I can’t give an answer to. I went through VeeJay’s recent editorial post and I agree with him. Broos owes the South African community an explanation. He has not been the coach I initially thought was employed by SAFA. He just came and undermined our players. AJ15 has no competitor as a central midfielder. He knows how to accelerate the tempo of the game and how to drop it as well. It’s not easy for any opposition to dominate that midfield against Sundowns. AJ15 is a very rare breed in that position. He has his colleague (teammate) Zwane, who has no match in that attacking role. Mangethe is always looking for the ball. In fact, he reminds me of Zidane on and off the ball. I don’t know what matches Hugo watches that make him ignore the contribution of the duo at their club. Broos is the worst ever coach to coach our national team. Please, Broos, as a nation we want you to be the coach, not to demoralise us. You are an insult to us. You first said we have no talent. Did you first do your research before signing on the dotted line, agreeing to coach us? You took the job because you knew SAFA pays. This is nothing but a cash heist. I thought you were going to be a talent scout and nurture it for the benefit of the country. World Cup-winning coaches have come to this country and have never undermined what we have. Instead, they added some value and made sure that the country moves forward. Let me give you a benefit of the doubt and say you’ve done something that I haven’t noticed. So, please guide this football team. In

Cameroon, you played no role in that team as you found a team with developed players. May you please apologise to the football nation for your utterances. Funisile Gidwa, Khayelitsha

Lovers Mohlala and other exBafana Bafana players are worried about the national senior team. Noting how Lovers sees Hugo Broos’ attitude towards assembling the Bafana squad leaves many questions. Lovers mentioned the reason why the coach doesn’t call Lebogang Mothiba. There are also other good players who are playing abroad who deserve Bafana call-ups. There are youngsters who are playing in England. I do agree with Lovers when he says it seems as if Broos is having shares at SAFA. These people are just making a mess in South African football. SAFA needs a toyi-toyi. Terah Maqepula, Mount Fletcher

Let me add my voice to your recent Editor’s Column about taking Bafana to the people. I think that option can work to some extent, but it can’t solve the woes brought to us by Hugo Broos as well as SAFA. SAFA has employed a coach who is clueless. His philosophy of young players is backfiring, with poor attendance as one of the causal factors. He selects players who also surprise him with their performance. My perspective about attendance is based on the following: Skill, experience and performance as well as big names, but not age, will pull crowds. “Big names” are a solution but not necessarily the solution. Let me take you down memory lane about big names. The period from the 1970s to mid1980s, we had stars like Kaizer Motaung, Ariel ‘Pro’ Kgongoane, Ace Ntsoelengoe, Jomo Sono, Elias ‘Shuffle’ Mokopane, Shakes Mashaba, Mecro Lucas Moripe, Jan ‘Malombo’ Lechaba, Teenage Dladla, Bobby Viljoen, Henry ‘Mthofi’ Khumalo, Banks Setlhodi and ‘Sparks’ Banda. From mid-80s to late ’90s, we had a generation of the likes of Doctor Khumalo, Didi, Lucas ‘Rhoo’ Radebe, John ‘Shoes’ Moshoeu, Linda ‘Mercedes-Benz’ Buthelezi, Neil Tovey, Edward ‘Magents’ Motale, John ‘Dungi’ Moeti, Helman Mkhalele, Mark Fish and Eric Tinkler. Who cannot wish to see the current generation of ‘Mshishi’, Jali, De Reuck, Morena, Mashego, Pule, Lorch, Lepasa, Thikazi, Ndlondlo, Mayambela and Mayo? Zack Lethetsa, Midrand

I don’t believe in Sundowns’ way of doing business, and your last week feature of how Sundowns help other clubs to maintain their respective financial books was, for me, another signal to show that they are messing up. I have never been convinced with the way Sundowns go about their business for a long time. Their player signings for the last few seasons is nothing to marvel at. Bringing American players at such a cost (as my Editor gave us a breakdown of how Sundowns go about their American signings), I feel going through all that is unnecessary. I know Sundowns are using their money and they have every right to spend it the way they want, but if football is business, then Sundowns are on a losing business. They signed Williams for over R20 million while exchanging with former Wits number one goalkeeper Goss, who was bought just over two seasons ago. This WilliamsGoss deal is a clear proof of bad business, let alone signing too many players for the same position yet at huge prices. You have too many left backs, but you still buy a Mashego and you call that good business. But hey, my mates, let me go, I will definitely catch you on the rebound. Kwazikwakhe Ngcobo, Umlazi

I’ve been reading the Siya Special of edition 1291 with keen interest and I have seen a trend. Chiefs has a tendency of treating the players that come from their development ranks badly. It’s as if just because we made you who you are today, we are going to pay you peanuts and you just have to oblige whether you like it or not. I mean, a guy like Blom contributed immensely last season and you want to pay him peanuts just like you did to Ekstein? Kaizer Jnr & Co. need to be ashamed of themselves. You paid millions for Dolly, but you can’t give Blom a decent salary, although I’m not privy to his current wages. This needs to change. Academy players need to be well looked after as well. Lesley Rankweteke, via email

For the past few months, we as readers of this lovely newspaper, more especially regular contributors to MAKE YOUR POINT, have been crying for our own column. Even if once a month or fortnightly. Not all readers have the privilege of attending our Soccer Laduma readers’ WhatsApp group meetings and others may be interested to know what was discussed, and this is the only way we can communicate with them. I feel the newspaper should be proud of some of us who have been with the publication throughout the years. There are readers out there who would like to know more about us, what are we doing for a living, etc. It would be lovely to get to know each other better. There are a lot of things we are doing as the committee of this group. Like when it’s your birthday, each member contributes R100, and we are a committee of 10 members. I’ve been receiving lots of text messages from readers who viewed my WhatsApp profile picture, where I’m wearing a Soccer Laduma T-shirt. They are enquiring about how they too they can get or buy those T-shirts and I try to help as much as I can. Together with Nozuko Mkonwana, we are doing our best to help. Those who have my number, please text me to place your order. Tente “The Brains” Mokoka, Sepharane

WAFA WAFA, DOWN TO THE WIRE!

I am not a soccer analyst nor a qualified coach, just a mere soccer-loving poor soul, but let me tell you this: Zwane’s inexperience was horribly exposed on Sunday! You’re playing against a team that lost a defender and they immediately sat back to play for a

draw for 35 minutes. They even substituted their outlet players in Mhango and Zuma. They were simply flat to be a threat and yet he insisted on parking the bus with defensive midfielders. I am disappointed! Motaki Mofokeng, via email

I’m so livid and have come to the conclusion that Chiefs better fire the video analyst… that’s if they have one! We’ve changed playing personnel so many times, yet our problems persist season in, season out. This season alone, most goals conceded, if not all, have an element of error and what incenses me the most is conceding early before we settle in the game. Do they analyze games, to start with? Our best player, Sekgota, is our most wasteful. Is it not part of the video analyst’s job to point out strengths and weaknesses of his players and opponents? There were moments where our players couldn’t pick the simplest and obvious option and wasted an opportunity with AmaZulu one man down. Maart should give Hlompho a call for advice on long-range shooting technique since he likes shooting. Mr Valentines, Mr Lover, Lover, Mr Fantastic, I’m talking about Gomes, was at it again showing love by dishing out red cards. Lastly, FIFA must consider the “towel rule”. What Manchester City did to Manchester United deserved throwing in the towel. It’s embarrassing and not the first nor the last time it happened. Lucky Khunou, Meriting

Not a good advert for South African football. A game without entertainment. Both teams just played “huff and puff” football. No technical ability. The only highlight in this game was Mr Penaldinho, who flashed out red cards like they were on special. What an ill-disciplined match. Even players on the bench could not behave themselves. When will PSL players learn that the referee’s decision is final? A team with 10 men sometimes plays better, but other teams don’t have a game plan to break down tight defences. The second leg will be the same with no excitement. Gavin Ryan, Emalahleni

South African football is boring sometimes. Two big teams played to a goalless draw on Saturday, the whole 90 minutes! When are we going to watch interesting games? I’m talking about games with goals. When teams like Pirates, Chiefs and Downs, which are known as the big teams here in Mzansi, play, you expect a beautiful game with lots of goals. The Chiefs v AmaZulu game was a bit interesting but not enough. We need more goals in knockout stages, not draws and penalties! It is really boring to go to the stadium to watch a draw or a win through penalties. Boring to the core! Waya Maxazi, via e-mail

The two semi-final games of

the MTN8 are far from over with AmaZulu enjoying a slight advantage. As a Chiefs supporter, I have tosayIsawwhatcoach Zwane was talking about when he said they need to dominate their opponents. The Usuthu match was there for the taking, but bad decisions and hastiness in the last quarter of the field was our downfall. I’m not sure what the Chiefs technical team’s team talk before the game is, but we’ve conceded in the first 20 minutes in almost all the games and that should be a concern. The good thing about this team though is the fighting spirit and the never-say-die attitude, which is all we ask for. I believe if we can rectify the small mistakes in our defence, we’ll be a difficult team to beat. All the best to the boys in the second leg as we now turn our attention to the DStv Premiership. Malesela “Dance” Boya, Kanana, Hammanskraal

Watching Chiefs v AmaZulu, I came to the conclusion that Zwane as coach had nothing to do with players not scoring. If they fire him, it will be unfair practice. Chiefs players missed so many great opportunities. Du Preez alone missed four chances! We still need a hungry striker if we want to win trophies. I also think ex-players like Radebe, Tovey, Mooki, Maponyane, Pule (now Mahlangu) and Baloyi need to be called in for assistance in terms of showing current players how to be defensive, control

the ball in midfield and to score up front. Credit must be given to Mphahlele and Maluleka, as their performance was incredible. Isaac Tsenene, Motherwell

One couldn’t have called for better MTN8 games than the mouthwatering clashesthatwe were treated to this past weekend. These games are unpredictable and it’s difficult to say which teams will proceed to the final. Chiefs could have been going to Durban with a goal or two more, better than the 1-1 draw they are sitting on currently. Pirates could also be going to Peter Mokaba with a goal or two against Sundowns, but they both failed to take advantage. Having said so, it would be foolish if AmaZulu go and defend the 1-1 draw at home. In fact, it would be suicidal! Sundowns, on the other hand, must ensure that Bucs don’t score first because then they’ll be under tremendous pressure. But as the late Clement “Cebo” Manyaapelo – may his soul rest in peace – used tosay,“Ke monate wa kgwele ya dinao.” Mompati Panyaza Ndlovu, Lekubu Village, Zeerust

ItwasaWafaWafa weekend and both semi-finals lived up to expectations. We witnessed a great game of football between Pirates and Sundowns, except for the goals that went missing in action so to speak. Sundowns came to Orlando Stadium hoping for a repeat of what they’ve been doing in the past, not knowing that the Spanish Guitar was waiting for them with sweet melodies. For the first time, we witnessed Sundowns failing to even take a shot on target, wow! Credit must go to Pirates’ technical team for mastering their plan of taking care of Shalulile and killing the supply from Jali. Ndah and ‘induna’ Sibisi did a great job at the back. This season, Pirates have conceded only three goals and that’s a much-improved record. Had the team taken

their opportunities, we’d be talking a different story now. Lepasa missed a oneon-one with Williams and Saleng hit the crossbar with his free kick. I was one of many who were critical of Sundowns using Williams ahead of Onyango this season, but now I’ve realised that the boy is good, jealous down. He single-handedly kept Sundowns in the game. The second leg is coming and we expect fireworks. I trust my boys. With Ndlondlo and Erasmus, I fear nothing. Ndlondlo fitted like a hand in glove, the boy is a gem. Once and Always. Sibusiso Khumalo, Melmoth, KZN

The game between Pirates and Sundowns was interesting and pleasing to the eye. I was impressed by the performance of my team Pirates as they managed to stand their own against the dangerous Sundowns. The game plan worked very well as Sundowns failed to create scoring chances and were only confined to their own half. Over and above the score line, the game represents what South African soccer must display.

Compliments to our new signings who really fitted into our way of playing and have the potential to contribute positively to our team. Ndlondlo and Romeo are indeed a good injection to our side. However, we must remain grounded with the view that nothing is won so far for the Sea

Robbers. Once a Pirate, Always a Pirate. Thapelo Masiapata, Ramaroka village, Bolobedu

What South African flair we enjoyed this past

weekend. All four teams

displayed fantastic football, yet both matches ended in a draw. Pirates were very unfortunate not to win this one, but I’m happy we will expect goals galore in the second leg. Ndlondlo was a marvel to watch on Saturday. The boy reminds me of “Little Napoleon”, “Tso” Vilakazi, halflitre John Moeti and Brandon “Alabama Express” Silent. Indeed, dynamite comes in small packages. As for Chiefs, luckily Moses Mabhida is your second home, so Zwane must come with a plan. Had Chiefs not squandered many of the chances they created, Usuthu would have been buried at FNB Stadium. Good luck for the future, Amakhosi. Boitumelo Vanrooyen, SchweizerReneke

On Saturday at Orlando Stadium, I was astonished by the team selection by the three Sundowns coaches, the inclusion of Kutumela being the biggest mistake. Sirino was supposed to start ahead of Kutumela, who’s not Sundowns material. Shalulile was isolated because of lack of creativity in the midfield. How can you substitute Jali for Zungu, who’s unfit? Which prophet must tell the coaches that Mokoena and Jali are mashed potatoes and chips? They give you the same thing. They are both defensive holding midfielders. Domingo should have started ahead of Mokoena. Mudau is also too comfortable. How can he play for Sundowns yet fail to cross the ball? Morena is our best right back. This season, we will be trophyless if we continue with this kind of selection. Peter wa ga Makwela,

Klipgat

It was a case of who wanted it more between Bafana Ba Style and the Mighty Buccaneers. What an intriguing titanic battle between the two powerhouses of South African football. No goals were scored on the day, but it was due to the good technical awareness from both teams. A goalless draw with lots of excitement and lessons to be learned from both benches. Both teams cancelled each other out in the middle of the park. New signing Ndlondlo outwitted the experienced Jali with pace. The quickness of Ndlondlo and the stability of Timm didn’t give Downs time to maneuver on the ball. The introduction of Zungu gave Sundowns quicker distribution of the passes and the pace of Allende made Pirates to retreat to a defensive mode. Romeo tried his best to prove a point to the Downs coaches with his darting runs on the right. He almost made it a fairytale by catching Williams off his line with a well-taken shot. It’s now up to both teams to come into the second leg with better tactics or fresher personnel from the respective benches to book a place in the final of the MTN8. Wafa Wafa! Gavin Ryan, Emalahleni

All four teams played to a stalemate, but the performance was good. Chiefs had better chances to wrap the game up going to the second leg, but squandered a host of them. They should have gone to the second leg with at least a four-goal advantage, but poor finishing was their undoing. My prediction is that Sundowns are going to lose against Pirates, so fans must brace themselves for a derby final as AmaZulu are going out as well.

Chiefs v AmaZulu was a good encounter, entertaining and full of drama. Sekgota continues to impress, while Dove got into the groove and delivered. Sundowns, on the other hand, have a squad of over 50 players, but their starting line-up is so predictable, so it was easy for Pirates to close them down, especially Shalulile and Zwane. Saleng and Ndlondlo were outstanding for Pirates. Welcome to the Soweto Derby final! Hofmeyr Kwitshana, via email

Pirates had clear-cut chances to beat Sundowns at home, but they disappointed. Both Williams and Ofori were solid, saving every single shot that came their way. Other than that, both sides played incredible football. Only time will tell if Sundowns can do the job and beat Pirates in the second leg. What can I say about Chiefs v AmaZulu? The latter were just lucky enough to score an away goal, but the former disappointed. Chiefs must start winning matches as a matter of urgency. I want to condemn the ugly behaviour from some of AmaZulu’s players, which led to three red cards. It’s unacceptable that some players fail to perform well, only to behave badly on the pitch. Clubs must take action to deal with deviant behaviour. On a different note: Haaland is on fire in the English Premier League! He keeps scoring goals like they’re going out of fashion. The 6-3 defeat of Man United should serve as a wake-up call for Erik ten Hag and his boys to improve their displays. Anesipho Mabija,

via email

When I saw Pirates’ line-up, Saleng and Ndlondlo caught my attention as I didn’t expect them to start, especially the former. It was a brave decision by the coach as it looked like he took a gamble, and they really performed well and gave Sundowns a run for their money. Bucs played well, while Downs had much of the possession but didn’t create chances. Ndlondlo turned Jali into an ordinary, dysfunctional chap and I was not surprised when they replaced him. Having said that, the Soweto giants should have done better, especially Lepasa, and what I noticed is that Pirates players were far from each other, which is why the second ball always fell to Sundowns. Erasmus, we all know what he’s capable of. I’m so happy with the way Pirates managed and frustrated Downs, whose marksman, Shalulile, was nowhere to be found. So, Bucs need to score away from home and proceed to the final. It’s not yet over, Sundowns will come out guns blazing, but Pirates have the advantage. Madimetja Vic Mashamaite, Renstown

The MTN8 affair between Pirates and Sundowns was a thriller. A goalless draw was a fair result, for both teams produced a competitive performance. What was noteworthy was that Bucs has, currently, one of the best defences in local football. Their defence is so resolute, reminiscent of the all-conquering squad of 2011, whose defence was marshalled by Sangweni and Lekgwathi. Rock-solid stuff. As for Sundowns, we are running short of superlatives to describe the greatness of this team. In comparison, Masandawana have become the Manchester City of Mzansi, for they are playing a comprehensive type of football.

We are expecting fireworks in the second leg. Batsirai Kativu, Johannesburg

Bucs v Downs, what a game of football it was! Pirates took the game to Sundowns, with Ndlondlo and Saleng spearheading that attack. Seeing Jali neutralized like that was so unimaginable. It was a goalless draw but very mouthwatering. Against Usuthu, Amakhosi were at it again creating numerous scoring opportunities and failing to convert them. If we can give Mangethe time and space, I’m telling you, it will be a fruitful exercise. Siyabonga Nkalambela, Delft

Bucs held Downs very well. I’m impressed with how Pirates performed. I can see they are going in the right direction. Thusego Pitse, via email

Quick One-Two’s

I’m a very passionate fan of our football in this country and would like to see our national team competing on the continent and the world. But the way our football has been in the last decade, it looks like it’s going to be a dream until some of the things change. Finally, they hired a coach who knows what he wants and has a vision for this nation going forward, but he is not being given the support that he needs from the association itself because every time the team is in camp, negative things always happen. It’s either teams withdraw their players citing fake

injuries and now, recently, they

couldn’t book a training ground for the team. My opinion is that this coach comes from where things are done professionally and on time and development is being taken care of, unlike here. The only time we hear of the national U17, U20 and U23 teams is when there are qualifiers for continental or world tournaments. Other than that, there is nothing about our junior national teams. Leponesa Chacha, via email

The condescending attitude of Hugo Broos is going to be his downfall. For a professional coach to speak the way he does, it doesn’t inspire confidence. He was very pompous about not selecting Zwane, now he is backtracking and saying a different thing. Broos might be the most qualified coach for Bafana, but his management style is not suitable for South African players. Maybe some European-based players understand him, but he is killing the confidence of our local players.

Thulani Wogqoyi, eNkanini, Cape Town

When I heard last week on the radio what the national team coach uttered regarding the Bafana game against Botswana, it was a bitter pill to swallow. Being able to crucify his own players is a very assertive attitude. In my opinion, we don’t need a coach with such an attitude. We have many coaches in Mzansi that want to coach with passion. If the hotseat is too hot to handle, then Mr Broos must step down because we cannot still build. Afcon and FIFA World Cup 2026 is beckoning. Jeffrey “Oarasib” Hartzenberg, Klapmuts – Stellenbosch

Pirates are a marvel to watch I must say. With Saleng, Ndlondlo, Lepasa and Erasmus, what else can one look for? Well done to the technical team and the management of Ezimnyama for bringing in quality players. If Saturday’s Pirates performance is anything to go by, bona, di tla

boa. I, for one, give the Wafa Wafa semifinal second leg to Pirates. To my team Chiefs, I really don’t know what to say. They failed to add a few good targets before the closure of the window period. I think the club’s economy can’t match that of Sundowns and Pirates. I am defeated. This season will be another dry one. Imagine one outright striker at such a big team! Supporters at this family club are not taken seriously. Some, including me, will floorcross very soon. Bra K, please do something, o tla re bolaya ka dipelo. Chiefs is my childhood favourite team, changing to another team won’t be easy but it is possible! Lebatlo Joshua “Cool” Mati, Dilopye village, Temba

It’s been ages since I’ve seen a kind of player like

bag points consistently to move up the log?

BS: It is not about me helping the team to move up, but it is about us working as a team to take the club to where it belongs. So, I think by working together with the guys individually and collectively, it will help the team moving forward.

MQ: Otherwise, how’s the mood like in the camp?

BS:

Everyone is working very hard, and we have a common goal, so the mood is okay and everyone wants to win. That is also the mentality of our coaches, they want to win. It rubs off on us as players, as we also want to win.

MQ: What is the team’s target for the season?

BS:

The target is to go all the way and win as many games as we can. That’s our target. ❐

“I have been following Bongani Sam and he is a good player. I am aware of the fact that he is on loan at Maritzburg United this season and, to be honest, I don’t have a problem with that move because I believe that the loan will benefit him and help him further in his growth. You must understand that Orlando Pirates is a big club and getting regular game-time there is not easy because of the immense pressure that comes with playing for the club. Sometimes it helps for a player to go out on loan to get the required game-time and to come back stronger and that’s why I say I have no problem with the boy going out on loan because the Maritzburg move will help him to gain enough experience. Just look at (Monnapule) Saleng for an example and see what loaning a player can do to his growth. Pirates signed Saleng last season and loaned him to Swallows FC and look at how good and ready he seems to be now that he is back judging by his performance against Mamelodi Sundowns. I am expecting the same with Sam when he comes back. He is a good left back and I think he has a future in that position as (Innocent) Maela isn’t getting any younger. Sam is being groomed, the way I see it, and watch out for him when he comes back. He will be an even better player.”