MAKE YOUR POINT CHIEFS WHIP RIVALS WITH

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

GAVE HIM A NAME, CALLED IT A DAY

In response to the Editor’s Column of edition 1297, I totally agree with you about the lack of nicknames to inspire our current crop of players. In my view, nicknames started to fizzle away with the arrival of the foreign coaches in our country, who changed the way football was played. Back in the day, football was not played only for winning, but also for enjoyment by the players and the entertainment value for the supporters. Players such as “Skapie” Malatsi, Junior Khanye, Jabu Pule, Oupa Manyisa, Thabo Rakhale, Thabo Qalinge etc have had their playing days cut short due to frustration because of the foreign coaches’ way of play, which also has been adopted by our own homegrown coaches. That skill is their strength, which brings joy to us supporters and we then give them nicknames. When Messi, Neymar, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, Ronaldo do the same, they are left to display their skills, which is their strength, and they have become big players, whereas in South Africa when our players do that, they say it is street football and not professional. Nicknames went away when players were told not to hold on to the ball, not to dribble, not to stop and do your trickery – just run and pass, run and pass, hit the ball forward and the strikers will see what to do. Nicknames go with players displaying their full talent and skills, supporters enjoying every moment of that and kids going back home practising those skills and styles at street corners. Those nicknames then get carried forward into the next crop of players and generations. Chrisiph Maodi, Johannesburg

I would like to give a few Kaizer Chiefs players their new nicknames from ekasi. Here goes: Yusuf “General” Maart, Ashley “10111” Du Preez, Kgaogelo “Gautrain” Sekgota, Dillon “Splash” Solomons, Zitha “Fix It” Kwinika, Edmilson

“Ijuba” Dove. Thanks to all the Amakhosi players for the great win, it’s an early Christmas gift wrapped in Black and White. Tshepo Molefi, Mapetla, Soweto

A GOAL FOR THE AGES

There are few points that one picked up from the Soweto Derby. 1). Victor Gomes was not harsh and angry like he always is in other games. He gave one yellow card for the who 90 minutes, which is somehow a good record for him. 2). Chiefs had a good game plan for the day and as underdogs they showed up. 3). The overconfidence of Pirates players killed them. 4). Maela was a coward. He (allegedly) faked an injury and ran away from getting a yellow card that would prevent him from playing in the MTN8 final. 5). Mpontshane played well until he did what he did, not staying on his line. 5). Ndlondlo lost the ball cheaply and put the team on the backfoot. Generally, the game was good – at least no more draws. Finally, why do they like to say the game is sold out while there were visible empty seats at the stadium? We hope the Carling Black Label Cup derby will be interesting since there won’t be anyone thinking of the final (although the winner proceeds to the final). Congrats are in order once more to the Western Side of Orlando. Better luck next time, the Eastern Side of Orlando.

Once and Always I remain! Mosa “Mr Cool wa le Easy” Mothobi, Ga-Rankuwa

It’s true that current form counts for nothing in the derby. It was exactly what coach Zwane and his troops needed to redeem themselves after the MTN8 exit. In this kind of game, it helps not to panic and overthink things, and that’s exactly what Zwane did against Pirates. Starting with Solomons and “Mshini” was a well-thought surprise and it worked. Having Solomons meant Hotto was restricted and it was a matter of neutralising Saleng and half the battle was won. All in all, the boys applied themselves very well, especially in defence where we always encounter problems. It will take some time for us to see a goal like that match-winning strike.

Congrats once again to the boys and the technical team. Malesela “Dance” Boya, Kanana, Hammanskraal

The Soweto Derby lived up to expectations. The form book was thrown out of the window and the ‘underdog’ tag ceased to exist. A moment of brilliance to

win the match. Some of the form players who played in their first derby, like Saleng and Du Preez, froze in front of the capacity crowd. Du Preez had two one-onone opportunities to score, but was thwarted by Mpontshane’s heroics. But the same hero became a villain when he conceded a spectacular goal that was scored by Maart from inside his own half. Such a goal was last scored by Kekana in Bafana colours against Cameroon. An extraordinary goal worthy of winning any derby. What a moment for Victor Gomes, who was taking charge of his last official game as a whistle man. Maart gave Gomes a perfect moment to remember his final game as a referee. With both Victors having retired from professional football, one wonders who’ll be the man in the middle for future derby games… Gavin Ryan, Emalahleni

Congrats to my beloved Glamour Boys after a hard-fought victory against Pirates in the 176th derby. Form doesn’t count much going into a derby as Amakhosi were the better team. I was at the stadium and the atmosphere was electrifying and coming all the way from Burgersfort, I’m happy Chiefs won or it would’ve been a long journey back home. FNB was bursting at the seams, all that was left was for both sets of players to dish out beautiful football and they didn’t disappoint one bit. I was nonplussed but happy to see “Mshini” start as I’m a big fan of his and he was superb in the number 10 role. I therefore urge coach Zwane to give him more game-time and this young lad will become a superstar. What more can I say about Blom? He was excellent and bottled Saleng the whole game, making crucial match-saving tackles. It’s now time for Chiefs to offer him a much improved package, he’s earned it. To be fair, the whole team played well, but Du Preez needs to work on his finishing because those were two glorious opportunities. He should at least have put one away, but credit to Mpontshane for his saves. Great awareness and vision from Maart to spot the keeper off his line and that must go down as the greatest derby goal ever and I’m happy for him to finally get the monkey off his back. The Tshwane Derby has nothing on its Soweto counterpart and whoever believes the Soweto spectacle has lost its spark must come fight me (meet me at Twin City). Pirates fans were waxing lyrical about how Saleng will kill our defence, but I have a question for them: Saleng who? Mo Saleng or Less Saleng? Rea leboga, Amakhosi. Marvin Matseke-Mabula, Burgersfort, Rutseng Leboeng

The game lived up to expectations. It was a match where we all expected fireworks and both teams never disappointed. Chiefs started like a house on fire, especially when Du Preez was given those two opportunities in a very short space of time, only to fail to score. He was so threatening. Pirates were also threatening, especially when Saleng was in possession of the ball. Erasmus is a seasoned striker and his touches were threatening the Chiefs defence. Zwane’s game plan seemed to be working. It was the first time I saw him smiling, thanks to Maart’s brilliance after seeing the goalkeeper off his line. That goal! That goal! Maart was so bright to score that brilliant goal. “Zwane smiles at last” – there’s your headline, Mr Editor. Moses Mokoena, Ga-Mokwakwaila

It’s true that a Soweto Derby result cannot be predetermined by the teams’ form – it’s about who wants it more. After beating Sundowns by an avalanche of goals, Pirates thought they were untouchable, but Maart had other ideas. That’s a serious contender for Goal of the Season. Spotting Mpontshane off his line, he decided to chip the ball over and the rest is history. Anyone seen Mo Saleng? The boy was outplayed and outsmarted by Blom. If the latter continues to perform like he did, I don’t see why the team shouldn’t renew his contract by four more years. He’s a versatile player and is every team’s dream player. I urge Kaizer Jnr to swallow his pride and give the boy a contract extension, not because he performed well against Pirates. Lest we forget, he’s from our development and has always been loyal to the Khosi (read cause). Lekiya Magoai, Ga-Malope

Amakhosi didn’t only win the game, but they really played well. Hlanti once again showed what he is capable of. He pocketed Saleng for the whole 90 minutes. Yes, Saleng was on the pitch, but Hlanti turned him into a spectator. Maart scored the best goal of his career, but I think Blom and Ngcobo made Ndlondlo and his partner-in-crime chase shadows. Bobby, Blom has raised his hand and he really deserves what he’s asking for. Credit must also go to Zwane and his assistant, as they had a great game plan. Nghamula Rikhotso-Nkonwana, Mageva village

Season after season, it has been proven that the derby is a different game altogether. You just have to forget about the two teams’ results and form leading up to the match. Unfortunately, the Bucs family were so deceived by our form, hence they won the game long before it was played. Pirates had the possession, but I was not worried because they never looked like they were going to hurt us with it. When we were in possession of the ball, we were entering their box. I liked those runs by Du Preez behind the defence, he just needed to convert the chances. The inclusion of “Mshini” paid off. Maart, the prodigal son of Bucs, with a beauty of a goal, which will leave us discussing it for decades to come. I’m happy for you, boy, as you’ve been trying those long-range shots, to no avail. Saleng was marked out of the game, of course with the help of Blom covering for Hlanti. Mangethe, I’m so happy for you as this game will go a long way in buying you time and easing the pressure. Some of us know that you are in a rebuilding phase with a new team that consists of a lot of young lads, but positive signs are showing already. Khosi all day long! Siyabonga Nkalambela, Delft

A crucial win for Chiefs was needed following our inconsistent start to the season. It took them 74 minutes to get a goal and it happened with Maart’s longrange solitary strike. What he did took me by surprise and made me wonder how on earth did that ball go in? It was a much-improved performance from the players, but the Buccaneers didn’t come to the party. Our boys did well to close down Saleng, but Erasmus came and nearly scored. There was no need for Hlanti to get a yellow card, but he did well afterwards. Du Preez should

have scored a brace if it wasn’t for Mpontshane’s superb goalkeeping. He must work hard to score goals, otherwise he’ll find himself on the bench. I hope this derby win will ease the pressure on Zwane and motivate the players to do well. Anesipho Mabija, via e-mail

Congrats to my team for beating Pirates. What a beautiful goal from Maart! The whole week on our Soccer Laduma readers’ WhatsApp group, we were warned about the Saleng and Romeo combination and how dangerous they are. They totally forgot that form does not work in the Soweto Derby. The Buccaneers won the game before they even played it. They were laughing at us saying we had already lost and guess who had the last laugh? Shapa Khosi shapa! Nyambeni Samson Khuphani, Tshiawelo Ext 5

What a game when two Soweto giants met at FNB Stadium last weekend, but it was not the Buccaneers’ day. Zwane and Sheppard analysed Pirates players thoroughly.

Saleng was kept quiet throughout. Crosses from Hotto were nonexistent. Ndlondlo was bottled and I feel pity for Mpontshane, who could have won Man of the Match with his outstanding two one-on-one saves against Du Preez, only to be let down by a lapse in concentration at a crucial moment. The fact that they played a bruising game against Sundowns showed. Congrats to Zwane & Co. Amakhosi ajabulile! Dintoa “Buddy Ike” Tshukudu, Sebokeng

Yes, the Soweto Derby is a totally different game because your previous performance does not guarantee you a win. Pirates came to this game already victorious, while Chiefs came with a clear mindset of not giving Pirates room to play and they did that diligently so. Defensively, Pirates were shaky and Du Preez should have punished them. The injuries to Maela and Mosele derailed their plan and it went from bad to worse. Truth be told, Pirates didn’t play well and complacency was the order of the day. The same situation did emerge when they played against Sekhukhune. I don’t blame Mpontshane as his team was attacking, but he should have managed his line well. Congrats to Amakhosi for a well-executed strategy and good game plan. Madimetja Vic Mashamaite, Renstown

What a derby, fans with colourful outfits and all. South Africa was divided for only 90 minutes. Chiefs came with a plan and it worked. Pirates looked like an ordinary team. Zwane was spot-on, his tactics were superior. In midfield, it was one-way traffic, and Blom made Chiefs stand out. Big up to Amakhosi! Danny “Madeenzo” Moreo, Segakwana village, Moruleng

Derby or no derby, Chiefs players must know that every game is vital and should be treated as such. I saw everyone pulling his weight on Saturday, but come next fixture, you’ll see a different Chiefs altogether. We wonder what causes that and we keep speculating and guessing. We even go to the extent of condemning them. They forget that they are putting the coaching personnel under unnecessary pressure. All in all, Chiefs have good players, but Zwane is a bit too lenient at times and they take advantage of his soft management skills. Other coaches, especially overseas ones, don’t hesitate to bench an off-track player. He must just apply a firmer hand all the time. We lost a very easy game against AmaZulu FC because of this problem. I hope you guys have turned the corner. Hofmeyr Kwitshana, via email

To the players, let the loss against Chiefs be a motivation that will push you to excel against your next

Very good game, I must say, between Pirates and Chiefs. What a goal by Maart! Definite contender for Goal of the Season. But the question remains: Mpontshane, yena aya kwini (where was he going)? As for