Make Your Point

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CELEBS TALK FOOTBALL!

Mind-blowing and intriguing interview with Mmusi Maimane, particularly the comparisons between the rugby and football structures. It’s out there for everyone to see the difference between our sporting codes, including cricket. High-profile figures like Maimane and Julius Malema should maybe voice their opinion more as concerned citizens and football supporters about how our football, especially the national team, is run. They can’t keep quiet in fear of being accused of interfering. All our national teams are a mess and we still don’t have the 2010 legacy benefits. He also touched on the differences in facilities amongst the clubs competing in the same league which doesn’t automatically translate onto the field. A Chiefs player should be able to produce required results because of a conducive working environment compared to their counterparts who are not as privileged when it comes to facilities and resources. Politicians like Maimane are sports supporters before they are politicians and their opinions hold more weight than those of the hoi polloi like yours truly.

Lucky Khunou, Meriting

I was very impressed by the views articulated by Mmusi Maimane about the sad state of our soccer and how the powers that be can learn from Rugby where systems are in place to ensure that the conveyer belt is not compromised in one way or another. Indeed, football, especially in the context of the Black population, was and will remain our bread and butter as in the absence of platforms to play or explore other sports, we play soccer (whether gifted or not). I think the issue with SAFA is well-documented … a group of adults all over the place like headless chickens. Indeed, football is pervasive, whether you’re a politician or a sangoma – it divides us ultimately. It is through soccer, especially when the Soweto Derby is unfolding, that a pastor and a person practicing witchcraft can become friends for the whole 90 minutes. That clearly indicates how powerful sport is. Lastly, Maimane must use his powerful position to engage and drive the developmental agenda with SAFA to ensure that our standard of football improves. We have infrastructure and talent in this country, the only problem we have is people who just love power without the capacity to lead. We need people who can visit rural areas like Bolobedu and unearth raw talents. Nice interview indeed. Thapelo Masiapata, Ramaroka village, Bolobedu

I want to thank Soccer Laduma for the interviews with the three celebrities, namely DJ Naves, Archbishop Nkosinathi Ngesi and Mmusi Maimane. The gentlemen were so fantastic in answering the questions and they like their teams wholeheartedly. Please, my Editor, we need more celebrities on these pages, to hear their views and what they like about their teams. Keep them coming. I can’t wait to read Julius Malema’s interview if he will get one too. You really spice up our Soccer Laduma, Mr Editor. Thank you again. Nyambeni Samson Khuphani, Tshiawelo Ext 5

I was taken aback by the interview that you guys had with Archbishop Nkosinathi Ngesi. To have a man of his stature being so knowledgeable and passionate about soccer really made me to respect him a lot. What an interview! Then, on the other hand, you get a guy like Sydney Moshikaro with such a mediocre interview as the one he dished out. The guy doesn’t even know

when the Soweto Derby will be played, ha, ha, ha. I don’t know whether the guy is arrogant or ignorant. I mean, you can phone Benni McCarthy in Manchester and he will tell you when the derby will be played in the blink of an eye. Talking of the derby, on behalf of the “Kaizer Chiefs

Supporters Committee”, we’d like to ask the PSL to postpone it this coming weekend. We’re still not sure where we will be going, but we will be very busy elsewhere. The whole team will not be able to make it this coming weekend. Hoping our request will be taken into consideration. Nafie Moloantoa, KwaThema

MOST WANTED: SALENG, ‘VICTIMS’ LEFT FOR DEAD

Thanks to Pirates for teaching Sundowns how to play Mzansi diski. They chased shadows on Saturday. That Saleng boy is a headache to defenders. He has an educated left foot. Thanks once again to Bucs for defeating the so-called ‘invincible’ DStv Premiership team. I expected Pirates to win, but not by 3-0 – that was the cherry on top. I can’t remember the last time Sundowns lost a game by that huge score. But it’s not a sin, it’s the nature of the game. Nghamula Rikhotso-Nkon’wana, Mageva village

Football will humble you. What’s amazing is that the Sundowns technical staff said prior to the game that they were having sleepless nights about the new shape Pirates is playing, with Erasmus and Saleng up top. They were aware of the dangers and were still troubled with the same system on matchday, without any answers. Ever gracious in defeat, Mngqithi admitted that Saleng was a thorn in their flesh, saying it was a good game plan from Bucs and it worked for them on the day. A concern is how can professional defenders not play to the whistle knowing there is no VAR to review decisions? The basic rule of defending is to stay on your feet and not to dive at the attacker, because once he skins you, he has the advantage whilst you’re sprawling on the pitch. The lesson to be learned is that football is a team sport and not won by individuals. So, is it ‘no Shalulile, no Downs high press’? Gavin Ryan, Emalahleni

The happy days are slowly coming back at Mayfair. Let’s relax, Mabhakaniya, and wait for 5 November before we can say anything. Congrats to the boys for a job well done. It shows that the plan was executed perfectly and Downs’ technical team didn’t have a clue what was going to happen. The Erasmus-Saleng combination has freshened up our attack and Pule’s injury was a blessing in disguise for Saleng. We still need Pule to ease the pressure on Saleng. I wish the boy can stay humble and keep on listening to his coaches. Once Erasmus is fully fit, I’m telling you, a lot of teams are going to suffer. There’s only one thing the team needs to do now, and that is being consistent because we can’t have two good games and then drop. Beating Sundowns doesn’t mean we’ve arrived but that we’re showing glimpses of something good to come. Let’s rally behind the boys, Mabhakaniya, and stop the booing. Sibusiso Khumalo, Melmoth, KZN

Well done to Pirates for their spectacular victory over Sundowns. Moreso, a resounding applause is given for their fashionable march to the MTN8 final. In overall assessment, Bucs were comprehensively brilliant in both legs of the semi-final. The Brazilians defence could not contain the attacking menace of Saleng and Erasmus. Of particular interest is Saleng, whose performance was some kind of a royal exhibit in a roadshow. After this monumental display, we encourage him not to let complacency engulf him. He should keep on working hard, for there are still a lot of mountains to scale in order to lead the Buccaneers to glory. I wish this young dribbling wizard all the best as he is poised to be a phenomenal superstar in the years ahead of him. Batsirai Kativu, Johannesburg

Ziyakhala ke manje! Pirates did the unthinkable by beating the star-studded Sundowns. It was a cagey affair, where Downs were dominant throughout the match but could not score. Both Erasmus and Saleng wereamarveltowatch. Downs seem to struggle when Shalulile is not there and that’s a big concern. Well done to the Buccaneers for reaching the final and hard luck to Ka Bo Yellow. Congrats to AmaZulu FC for also reaching the MTN8 final by knocking out Chiefs. Our players did not come to the party, which does not sit well with us. I think Zwane must swallow his pride and bring back Mathoho as Chiefs have been inconsistent for too long now. Our players need to step up and fight for the badge. Pirates will beat us in the Soweto Derby if we’re not careful and still making those costly errors. The sooner the supporters start seeing an improvement in the playing style, the better. Anesipho Mabija, via email

I’m a Pirates fan who’s so passionate about the team. Win or lose, I’ll die a Bhakaniya. That said, I’m worried about Timm always getting yellow cards. We as fans love his dedication and hard work on the field. He needs to be cautious at times. Every game, he gets a yellow card, at times unnecessarily so. He should just focus on his game and learn to control his temper. One day he’ll cost the team a game. Big ups to Pirates for catching Sundowns with a surprise win. The Downs trio of coaches were exposed by a clever coach, who did not listen to their mind games but focused on his job. This season will be one of the best, no more Sundowns dominance. Players and coaches have upped their game, and we are waiting for the referees. Once and Always! Mosa “Mr Cool wa le Easy”

Mothobi, Ga-Rankuwa

Saleng! Saleng! Saleng! What a player! Ndlondlo, Erasmus, thank you, guys, for joining Pirates. You guys are making the young generation of players aspire to be like you. But how can I forget Monyane, Shandu, Mosele, Ndah, Lepasa and Hotto? Mpontshane is now taking his game seriously and I love that goalkeeper so much. Coach Riveiro, I love and respect you. Please continue to silence all the doubting Thomases of this world. Thokozane Dludlu, Emalahleni

The storm is over. Thanks to the coach and his technical team for bringing Sundowns down

at last. What I saw is that Bucs were not worrying about what Downs were doing, but instead were concentrating on how to kill them. We allowed them to enjoy ball possession knowing that their fullbacks will push up and leave spaces at the back, which would give Pirates advantage and Saleng used those opportunities very well. To the players, I thank you too for showing hunger and commitment. I wish you can do the same in other games as well. Linda Wa Le Pirates, Thabaleboto

Congrats to Pirates. Downs brought their strongest possible team, but their weakest link was up front. Saleng and Erasmus connected well and it looks like they enjoy playing together. Sundowns brought lot of ball players, while Mvala and Mokoena were the ones who had to protect the central defenders. Makaringe didn’t have a great game, while Timm was solid. The only problem I had with the latter is that he was always involved in the scuffles. Sundowns had better possession, but they didn’t hurt Pirates. The most positive aspect was Bucs’ solid defending, with Ndah destroying everything Downs threw at them. Mpontshane continues to collect clean sheets. Zwane, Mkhulise and Allende didn’t contribute much to their team. We give thanks to Pirates for the goals as we were very thirsty for a while. Madimetja Vic Mashamaite, Renstown

It’s been a while since Sundowns have been soundly beaten. They’ve been the envy of many a fan out there. For Pirates, aside from the scoreless draw in the first leg, they had lost five consecutive matches to them, thus they had to do well in order to exorcise the demons of the past. The giants needed no motivation, therefore it was no surprise when they turned up on Saturday and put on a show for all. It all started with Saleng setting up the prodigal son Erasmus before he himself wrote his name in the stars with two goals late on to set up a final with AmaZulu FC. This victory ensured that football continues to deliver on the uncertainty front. Pirates go into the derby high on confidence. Shapa Bhakaniya shapa! Pamani B Tshuma, viaemail

Congrats to the mighty Buccaneers for bringing Sundowns down to earth. The difference between the two is that Pirates used their chances and Sundowns didn’t use theirs. But it was a good display of our South African flair. As for my team Chiefs, the less said, the better. Missed chances is their downfall, just like Downs. Once again, congrats to both AmaZulu FC and Pirates for reaching the final. But I want to highlight the issue of our jubilant supporters when their teams win. Now Pirates will be fined heavily for the pitch invasion. Supporters must learn to control themselves. Boitumelo Vanrooyen, Schweizer-Reneke

Good job by Pirates. Their win against Downs was not a fluke, as evidenced by their first leg display. I don’t have any complaint about the game, but we were the weakest side on the day. If we are going to play like the way we did against Pirates, we are going to lose everything this season. I’m very disappointed about our performance. The whole team was weak, with their Rhulani! I don’t have stress about the loss as we are going to taste many of them. My concern is the performance of the team, we are not promising at all. Eish, Sundowns is boring with their slow pace sometimes! Waya Maxazi, via email

The loss to Pirates demonstrated that Sundowns’ technical team does not fully understand the culture and tradition of being associated with the club. They continue to acquire many average players who cannot add great value to the team. Such a pathetic performance is without doubt the beginning of the fall of our beloved team. Thabo Mabetoa, Pretoria

Lesson learnt by Sundowns. Pirates’ performance is improving day by day. Some say the writing was not on the wall, but I saw it coming after noticing Downs’ struggles in front of goal. Saleng was the star attraction! Modiba gave Saleng an ‘assist’ for the first goal. For the second goal, he failed to quickly close the Pirates winger. The third goal was a bonus from De Reuck. Saleng was a deserved Man of the Match. It was not Downs’ day, but I believe Motupa must be given a chance. Congrats Bucs, the best team won. Terah Maqepula, Mount Fletcher

I’m disappointed in the manner in which Sundowns lost to Pirates, thanks to the clueless coaches. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that Lakay was the missing link. How can you loan out the team’s best left back? Phezolo Bongani Michael, viaemail

This game proved that our coaches lack vision. Loaning out Lakay was a wrong move. Modiba is our weakest link and you can’t play Ngobeni against Wydad, Al Ahly or Zamalek. Our last option is to shift Lebusa to left back, a position he excelled in at Ajax. Remember Lakay is the reigning Defender of the Season. The benching of Jali added insult to injury. The three coaches can’t take us to the Promised Land. At times, they lack Plan B, especially if Shalulile is bottled or unavailable. No matter how well he plays, we as supporters always expect Sirino to be substituted, for reasons only known by the coaches. The boy was troubling the Bucs defence, as much as Saleng was troubling Modiba, so why take him off? I don’t see Sundowns going past the CAF Champions League group stage next year. Bring back Pitso. Tente “The Brains” Mokoka, Sepharane

Downs, with all the possession in the world, failed to hurt Bucs. Why did they start the game without a striker? Saleng took them to the cleaners. As for AmaZulu FC v Chiefs, allow me to reserve my comment on that one! Siyabonga Nkalambela, Delft

Well, for once someone had to do it and I’m glad he did it. Erasmus went against the norm and celebrated his goal against Sundowns. Some may call it disrespect, but he did what was right towards his employers. I’ve never understood why players don’t want to celebrate against their former teams because you are no longer playing for that team. Sentiments and loyalty don’t work in football. A team doesn’t renew your contract and that comes with the possibility of being unemployed. A particular team signs that offloaded player. Come matchday against his former team, he scores and decides to spite his current team by not celebrating. Talk of biting the hand that feeds you. I hope Erasmus will do it again because seemingly he is the only one who has the guts to do it. Morongwa Mokgohloa, Ga-Mokgohloa

SOMETHING’S AMISS AT NATURENA

Chiefs supporters must understand and accept one thing, the team is useless. No-hopers. If they continue recruiting the kind of players they have right now, I see no future. I wish I could blame the coach, but I can’t. If we continue shooting like Maart is doing and make box entries without positive results and poor passing as if we are primary school kids, then Lord have mercy! There’s so much wrong with Chiefs that you don’t know where to start. A team with so much in terms of resources and facilities. Not to disrespect AmaZulu, but can you really believe that Chiefs failed to score just one goal? I rest my case. Hofmeyr Kwitshana,

viaemail

Chiefs’ exit from the MTN8 is purely of their own doing. I hear a lot of people putting the blame solely on the coach’s shoulders, but the blame cannot be on the coach alone. Yes, he also failed the team here and there. For example, a player like Solomons should have started the game to give us that mobility going forward. So, for me, Zwane didn’t err so much in terms of the squad selected. Our players, as per my chorus, need to man up as well. Going into that game, they knew that they had a debt to

pay. After playing a 1-all draw in the first leg, they had to understand that it was like they were trailing because they conceded at home, but in that first half at Moses Mabhida Stadium, one would swear Chiefs were leading. No urgency at all. It’s only in the second half when they were realising that time was against them that they started to play, but it was too little, too late. Maybe it’s because I never played pro football, but I think from the first whistle, Chiefs were supposed to take the game to AmaZulu FC. Firing Zwane won’t be the solution. Are we buying the right players for this team? Do we have the right scouts to spot talent? Did all the coaches that we fired fail? Were they bad coaches? Chiefs is no longer a feared team and it’s really painful for those who follow this team

with their hearts. Albert Khutshwa, Lupapasi village, eCala

Chiefs have bought players and Zwane, I assume, played a major role in identifying those he wanted. So far, the team isn’t getting value for money. Sponsors and supporters are suffering. We can’t have a situation where even teams that have no coaches beat Chiefs, yet we have Zwane, who is amongst the highest-paid coaches in the country. Billiat’s salary alone could pay a decent salary for four players. Chiefs took players from Swallows FC and they are not playing. Why not send them back? Chiefs should now start deducting money from players and the coach for underperforming. Mediocrity

should not be rewarded. The task of reviving Chiefs is too big for Zwane and he must not hold on to this position just to get a salary. Nation Mabaso, Osizweni

I’m not convinced that our coach is the right person to bring the glory days back to Naturena. The young coach of AmaZulu FC is matured. To my surprise, he’s only been here a few days, unlike ‘10111’, who’s in charge of a squad that he knows well, as some players come from the academy with him. Against Galaxy, we were punished by our former striker Parker. They made a very big mistake by releasing

the Nigerian keeper. Our club needs to be overhauled. Our defenders are always committing schoolboys blunders. It is up to management to bring in a coach who’ll mould them and teach them about the role of the defenders. In my opinion, Neil Tovey is the right candidate for this job. He was one of the greatest marshals during his time at Chiefs. How long are we going to keep quiet about Zwane’s empty promises? Nowadays we are the laughing stock of our archenemies. Sipho Robert Mpungose, Eshowe, KZN

I’m so disappointed with our players for failing to score despite the many chances created against AmaZulu FC. As Chiefs fans, we need to blame

the players. The coach does his job at training and gives players a chance to play, but they fail to perform. If I were the coach, I’d make sure to deduct 15% from the salaries of players who featured against Usuthu. The players were not hungry to score. Du Preez, Bimenyimana, Dolly and Billiat need to

wake up. Isaac Tsenene, Gqeberha

Chiefs’ glory days are over. For a team that needed to score against AmaZulu, only to not register a single shot on target in the first half, tells a story. There was no sense of urgency and you’d have been forgiven for thinking we were the ones with an away goal advantage. Zwane was waxing lyrical midweek about Chiefs being one of the best attacking teams in the league, but what we saw on Sunday was nothing short of embarrassing. I was so heartbroken that I had to retire

early on Sunday and I thought I’d awaken from some sort of nightmare – alas! What makes this a bitter pill to swallow is that traditionally, the MTN8 is the easiest trophy to win as it has the shortest route to the final and most teams are still trying out new combinations and might be found wanting. I’ve long given up on Chiefs winning the league and the Nedbank Cup considering our struggles with small teams in the latter competition. Marvin Matseke-Mabula, Burgersfort, Rutseng Leboeng “Mistakes are part of football.” Zwane has been quoted on numerous occasions alluding to this statement as he sought to draft error-prone Ngezana back into

the fold. Fair enough. In the case of Mathoho, however, it seems the opposite applies as he’s never been given a run since that costly mistake against Arrows last season. The events that preceded his arrival from Celtic in 2012 are welldocumented. The man was hellbent on playing only for Chiefs. The gaping hole in the rear-guard clearly cries out for his name. Mr Zwane, please find it in yourself to forgive Mathoho and give our legend his last hurrah in the team because it’s evident he isn’t coming back next season. If you don’t, the Amakhosi followers will as indicated by his selection in the Carling Black Label

Cup. At only 32, the man has a lot to offer still. George Sithole, Honeydew

Quick One-Two’s

Sundowns collected 12 points in four games, scoring five goals, but their performance was not convincing at all. We are used to them dominating and scoring lots of goals. The MTN8 first leg stalemate with Bucs actually spoke of pending danger, but the warnings were ignored. They could not get a single shot on target during that game, so unlike them. Their flaws were exposed by a very determined Bucs with a 3-0 thrashing. The technical team is now confused judging by the starting line-up for the day and the sooner they sort themselves out, the better. Sundowns exhausted their goals budget when they trashed hapless journeymen Le Passe. The less said about my team Chiefs, the better. They did not play like a team in need of a goal. The first leg performance was miles better than what we saw on Sunday. Why the overpaid Billiat is still on our payroll remains a mystery. Even the speed ball they are using is too heavy on him as he cannot take a decent shot. For a player like him, we say “ga a na moko”, which means he is spaghettilike. Fortunately, he was not born in my time in Ga-Maria where we used the very heavy Pele, Kick Off, Mikasa etc balls. Anyway, congrats to Bucs and AmaZulu FC. Amos “Tiger” Tshukudu, Ga-Maria

Could the Sundowns management and technical team please ask Mud auto stop chewing pieces of gum the size of an apple when on

the field? It is unprofessional and disgusting. One of the things that Arsene Wenger banned at Arsenal was players chewing gum at practice or in matches and, as a professional outfit, Downs should do the same. Charles Mthembu, Sandton

Congrats to my beloved Usuthu olumabhesh’ ankone family for reaching the MTN8 final. Tears poured down my cheeks as I remembered what my team has been through in the past decades. Thanks to our President Sandile Zungu for everything he has done for this sleeping giant, which, without a doubt, has awaken. Our forefathers and ancestors, who made us fell in love with this team, are smiling in their graves. My blood is Green and White till I die. Hebe Usuthu! Frank Gwala, Hammarsdale

Deep down in my heart, I really sympathise with Percy Tau. He was touted as the next best thing in SA diski after Benni. When he went to the EPL, it catapulted him into one of Mzansi football’s highest hope. One had hoped he would avoid the jinx that befell Jali, Mabizela, Dolly and Zungu, whose overseas stints were short-lived, and the merry-go-round of Dino, May, Mokotjo, Patosi, Serero etc. Alas, his career is stuttering in Egypt. He wanted it all – however, he is now ensnared by the obvious cliché: SA players are only good for the DStv Premiership! One hopes with all that’s happening in his career he doesn’t slip into a dark place and jeopardise his Godgiven talent. Be strong, avoid winning over your sceptics, who assume it’s over. Pick yourself up for some of us your loyal fans who understand the psychological effects soccer has put you under. We go through what you are going through, but we can’t all be nyaope boys. Yours has become a difficult path, dig deep and make a resounding comeback! Simanga “Tsiki” Chiloane, Riversands Block 13

Madrid secured their tenth league victory against Sevilla magnificently. After the latter equalised, they were content with a possible draw and started defending too deep, their downfall. Ancelotti showed his intelligence and coaching experience by making three substitutions with about 20 minutes remaining. He was spot-on as one of them, Vasquez, scored the second goal. They didn’t put their foot off the pedal as they continued to attack, with Sevilla relying on counter attacks. Valverde put the final nail in the coffin with a brilliant third goal. Congrats to both Pirates and AmaZulu FC for deservedly reaching the MTN8 final at the expense of both Sundowns and Chiefs. The future looks bright for Saleng with the masterclass performance that he showed, capping it in style with a brace. Bernard Tshukudu, Ga-Maria