MAKE YOUR POINT

KUDOS, SOCCER LADUMA!

Great greetings to the Soccer Laduma management team. I’m a sports-loving person. I used to play for the U19 of Moroka Swallows back in 2002 and got promoted to the reserve side, where I did not register with the team because of some family challenges, which forced me to go back home in Rustenburg. I have accomplished a diploma in Sport Management in 2003 at Boston College. I played alongside Siphiwe Tshabalala at Swallows’ U19s. I’m concisely highlighting these minor moments and accomplishments to define to you my journey in the sporting world. I’m truly and deeply touched by the column of “Ntate” Vuyani Joni, the Editor, of issue 1243, headlined “A nation of addicts”. I just need to add with my knowledge and experience to what he has shared with us. I have a dream of helping the children and youth of Rustenburg for them to enjoy the general benefits of sports, and had approached a few people and offices around Rustenburg to help in buying the equipment for the sport academy, which I have registered with CIPC so that it can be able to function properly and register with other sport-related bodies. But to this day, it is just a sport academy with a registration only. My concern is that most of the sports-related offices and programmes are occupied and being facilitated by mostly people who do not have a passion, qualification, experience, etc. in sport. To some people, sport is a passion and career, and to others it is a job opportunity. I have previously approached and had proposed some of my ideas to the people occupying the offices of sport or sport-related programmes, who seemed not to have a passion in sport and cannot emotionally speak the language of

sport because they treat it like most of the industries that are completely different from sport. For example, if I was working as a director in the mining industry, I will want to handle sport matters, athletes, etc. the same way as I used to handle and manage the mineworkers. Sports is one of the creative fields, not a fixed production process whereby you do the same thing for five years. That is why we are not succeeding because we are led by people who are not passionate, experienced and don’t understand the dynamics and purpose of sport in our lives. I love and appreciate your services and content, guys! Thank you. Tshegofatso Khunou, Rustenburg

Once again, let me applaud Soccer Laduma for all these years remaining the best when it comes to the Beautiful Game. Despite the pandemic and lockdown, you still remain on the shelves. I read every page on the copy and I can’t ignore the fact that our own “Mdokisi” (Doctor Khumalo) is crying loud about the lack of style and culture, mostly at the so-called big guns. We no longer have players that are outstanding for their clubs and playing the Mzansi style. Former players of the so-called big clubs are not vocal. They are afraid and mostly nurse the feelings of their former employers, including Doc himself. Every time, it’s about Junior Khanye, who was a young player in those days. Brian Baloyi was also vocal about the recycling of Stuart Baxter as a coach by Kaizer Chiefs, while undermining Arthur Zwane and others as “junior” coaches. Most of the time, the so-called big teams buy whoever is available and sometimes out-of-contract players or free agents, “buy one, get one free”, you name it. In last week’s edition, the Editor explained explicitly the puzzle that Sundowns

are implementing to their structures from Pitso Mosimane’s regime. Having the old and clueless Baxter, while also keeping guys like Screamer Tshabalala, who don’t bring any exciting change to the team but instead records that brings shame to the brand, isn’t helping matters. I think last week’s Editor’s column could assist Mr. Siphiwe Mkhonza, the SABC analyst, who, during the Pirates v Sundowns game, failed to pinpoint the main reason why Downs are still dominant over Bucs. The poor guy was out of facts, criticizing the quality players bought by Pirates, up until Phumudzo “The Bold” Manenzhe put it to him, as always, that firstly, Pirates concede through mistakes and explained what factors caused those mistakes. On top of that, he explained why Sundowns are not an easy team to beat, taking hm into details from Pitso’s regime, Manqoba Mngqithi and all factors that were also revealed by the Editor’s column in last week’s edition. I would be glad if Mkhonza can be given a copy. On top of that, Sundowns recently revealed two ambassadors to act as a livewire link to the team’s supporters. The ladies’ team, on the other side, is putting the cream on the cake. Their style of play, build-ups, pressing game, including jersey numbers, complement those of their male counterparts. Now, you tell me: if the so-called big guns start a ladies’ team, where would Sundowns Ladies be? So, restore the culture, style and brand of a team. It’s a combination of factors, mostly consistency and profile. Sundowns could make La Decima in a row in the DStv Premiership and Peter Shalulile can still sweep the awards come end of the season. He must just remain calm and stop the “silence” gesture as a goal celebration. It’s not his style. Last but not least, there’s only one record that Sundowns must break, the treble… and defend it. As long as I’m still a die-hard Buccaneers supporter, I’ll be waiting for that moment. Zamkhaya Yamani, via email

WAY TO GO, (TY)SON

It takes a brave man and a great leader to raise up the hand and admit that his performances are below the standards expected of him, and by his own admission, that his mistakes have cost his team at times. I’m referring to Thulani Hlatshwayo’s interview in last week’s edition of Soccer Laduma. What an honest and open interview. I felt so emotional after reading that interview because the player knows what he wants

and I can assure the Bucs faithful that they’ve got a great leader in the making in “Tyson”. The man is just plain and straightforward and he doesn’t blame anyone. He admits that his performances have been below par since joining Bucs, but most importantly, he’s fighting to get to his best and deliver as expected. The last time I read a great interview like this one was a while back when Nhlanhla Kubheka, the ex-Kaizer Chiefs player, was interviewed. These are the kind of interviews where you put yourself in the shoes of the interviewee, and you find that sometimes it’s tough when people are expecting only the best from you because they know that you are capable of delivering, and instead you don’t reach such expectations because of various

I think Tyson will reach his best soon and his team will benefit immensely from the hard work that he’s putting in to get to the best player that we knew at Wits. Mompati Panyaza Ndlovu,

Lekubu Village, Zeerust

TOUCH OF HUMOUR When I get into my transport and eventually arrive at work while reading Soccer Laduma, people will think I’m crazy as I can be found laughing alone. My Monday morning was made by Eric Ramavhale’s “Still In Touch With...” (edition 1244). Thebeetsile Modisaemang, Protea Glen

THREE FAT POINTS… UTOPIA!

Congratulations to Bafana for winning against Ethiopia in the latter’s backyard. In the process, our boys broke a record by beating Ethiopia in a stadium which is regarded as a slaughterhouse. Bafana attacked left, right and centre in the early stages. Mokoena’s goal was brilliant and it tells us that their goalkeeper was the weakest link. The truth, however, is that Bafana gave the Ethiopians space to play as they dictated how we must play. Our captain stood in the way of a victory for the home side as he produced a Man of the Match performance. If it was not for his saves, Ahmed was going to emerge as a hero for his team. Ahmed, Dagnachew and Yesuf were a thorn on the side of Bafana, but our defence was compact. Kutumela should not have tackled Ahmed as he was surrounded by many Bafana players… and what a goal by Kebede! Our coach was brave enough by not thinking of defending after we scored the second goal and he brought in Makgopa, who scored the assurance goal. The journey to Qatar looks on track and the only thing we must do is to keep consistency. Well done to Bafana for a massive win away from home. Madimetja Vic Mashamaite, Renstown

Congratulations to our national team for beating Ethiopia by 3-1. You did us very proud. Since Broos’ appointment as Bafana coach, I’ve never commented about him. It seems as if he is doing a wonderful job with the youngsters and I’m happy he doesn’t listen to all those critics because he knows what he’s doing. Coach, do your job and don’t listen to those who tell you who to pick just because that player is doing well for his team. The final decision is yours. Congratulations again to you, the entire technical team and the players. Nyambeni Samson Khuphani, Tshiawelo Ext 5

Congratulations to South African football as a whole for the away win against the Ethiopians, but I’ve learnt not to show my whole happiness when it comes to Bafana Bafana. We’ve been disappointed a lot in the past, so I can’t jump so high and touch the sky because I know that sooner or later, we’ll be disappointed again. For now, I can say they are trying, but up until they qualify for the World Cup, that’s where maybe we can say the future is bright. Another thing that’s a big worry for me is the coach’s mentality towards our players. You can’t lambast the players and clubs in the media and say they are sabotaging your work and they don’t want to see you succeeding in your quest for World Cup qualification! That was very wrong. If the coach feels that somebody has done wrong, he’s got a right to address it in the right manner because at the same time, he’s also destroying the player’s and team’s confidence in him. Yes, Mosele was wrong, but to even threaten the boy and say he might not call him again was not right. Sundowns sent Kutumela to vaccinate and he made it to the camp, but the coach was furious. A piece of advice to coach Broos: you don’t want to make yourself an enemy of coaches. Sibusiso Khumalo, Melmoth, KZN

In our Soccer Laduma Readers’ WhatsApp group, I spoke of my disapproval when Williams was given the armband given his unconvincing performances of the past in the Bafana jersey and others shared the same sentiment. We all know some players are only good for club level. I further stated that perhaps his appointment to lead us might be what the doctor ordered as he will be forced to pull up his socks to guide our youngsters. During the past weekend, he proved me right when he produced two brilliant saves to ensure we get three fat points away from home. I cannot remember when the last time we won away was. He truly gave a captain’s performance, not forgetting the clean sheet against Ghana. What I like about him is that he is not easily beaten in a one-v-one situation. Well done, Captain, and I pray that by the time we read this missive, we would have collected another three points against the Ethiopians. We did not play well, but we did what mattered most. Our subs (Letsoalo and Makgopa) combined well for the third goal. Hoping for an improved home performance.

Amos Tshukudu, Ga Maria

Congrats Bafana for the job well done against Ethiopia, especially away from home. I’m not one to single out players, but Mvala made us eat humble pie once again. I must admit that when Sundowns signed him, I thought they were blind, but a few games later, I remember telling my friend Emega Ledwaba, a staunch Downs supporter, that this boy reminds me of Linda Buthelezi. He isn’t a skilful player or the crowd’s favourite, but he knows how to manage the midfield with accuracy and today he is a national team asset. He has established himself at both club and national levels, and this shows how great Pitso is when it comes to recruiting players. However, I still think that in order for us to be a force to be reckoned with, Broos needs to select players on merit. What did Mabasa do to justify being in the starting line-up ahead of the inform Letsoalo?

Tente Mokoka, Sepharane

For the first time since 1996, I feel proud to be a Bafana supporter. The boys did extremely well to score three goals away from home, but I still think that Letsoalo should have started ahead of Mabasa. The boy has been scoring goals for his club and I now understand why both Chiefs and Pirates were vying for his signature. Also, I’m still not sure if Xulu is the right man to partner De Reuck at centre-back but since Ngcobo isn’t playing at Chiefs, we have no choice but to trust Xulu. Mvala was my Man of the Match. He did well, even though the ground was unplayable. I put my head on the block and say Bafana will qualify for 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup. Siyaya e Qatar!

Lekiya Magoai, Ga-Malope (Nelly)

I’m still not convinced with Broos’ idea of prioritising youngsters over in-form players for Bafana. I believe players should be chosen based on current form, regardless of age. After all, we still have the U23s and U20s to accommodate the younger players. What will happen when his youngsters reach the age of 30? Will he exclude them from selection in favour of youngsters? If we follow his methodology, we will never have a strong national team. It is absolutely vital to have experienced players in the national team and the more experience we have, the better for us. Even the top nations like Italy have the likes of Chiellini and Bonucci to rely on. I have nothing against the youngsters, but we need to find the right balance between experience and youth. We can’t just throw them in the deep end. Sundani Ratombo, ha Madodonga

Mr Broos, you have a problem. You recently lamented the bad attitude by the security guards when you wanted to watch the Pirates v Sundowns game. After that, Mosele absconded, according to your knowledge. This was not the end of it though. It was sabotage when Kutumela took a vaccination jab. Later, you said you were aware of Kutumela’s jab. I do agree that you are doing a good job with the national team, but you are also frustrating us supporters. I believe somehow you have a bad attitude towards us South Africa. I don’t know if you are aware that Coetzee is only 24 years of age. That is another reason I feel you have a bad attitude towards us. I don’t mind about Lakay, as age is not on his side, but Williams is no longer young as well. Mind your language, Mister. Terah Maqepula, Mount Fletcher

A coach with a clear vision of what he wants would never leave Themba Zwane out of his Bafana Bafana starting line-up. “Bhotsotso” Mkhize, Eshowe, Mpaphala

Bafana showed bravery and maturity in their away win against Ethiopia. To think we couldn’t beat them twice with our tried and tested team, it’s only right to shower them with praises. They won as a team, but allow me to single out our Captain Fantastic for saving us on numerous occasions. Williams is repaying the faith shown in him by the technical team. I was also impressed by debutant Mashego, especially in the second half when we were under pressure. After Bafana took a 2-1 lead, a lot of fans, myself included, thought the coach would throw in one or two defensive players to shut the door, but he reminded us that the best form of defence is attack. Makgopa evidently proved the coach right by sealing the victory with a composed finish. After Ghana’s win against Zimbabwe, it looks like we’ll be wrestling them for the top spot. Congratulations once again to Bafana. Malesela “Dance” Boya, Kanana, Hammanskraal

Under so many circumstances and much criticism, they came out from Ethiopia as warriors. A team that does not have any big-name players. Indeed, the current Bafana players are writing their own history and they are prepared to die for the country. Personally, I see them qualifying for the World Cup without any difficulties. You write them off at your own peril. Ofentse Kakapa Mahatlhe, Schweizer-Reneke

If the first two games were not evidence enough for one to believe that indeed a new broom can sweep clean no matter how dirty SAFA House might be, then Makgopa’s goal in the dying minutes in Ethiopia was proof enough that maybe, just maybe, Broos might be walking the talk. He came in with high expectations after his success with Cameroon, culminating in his 2017 Afcon triumph, but then again, one would have been forgiven for believing the Bafana task was but a poisoned chalice, for success has eluded them for a while now. The only way from here, though, was up as failing to qualify for next year’s 24-team Afcon tourfactors.

nament was the lowest of lows for an African “powerhouse” or so we see ourselves. Broos has ruffled many a feather in his short stint so far, but it must be said that he is delivering on the football pitch. Dare to dream, or dare I say it, there’s still another hurdle if this group stage is successfully negotiated. But then again, what makes this football thing so beautiful is the absence of certainty – ours is to dream and hope for the best. Pamani Bryan Tshuma, via email

Bafana are doing pretty well in their quest to qualify for the World Cup. I didn’t give them a chance against the hard-running Ethiopians in their home ground nogal. Well done to the coach, his technical team and the boys, but to be honest, these are the kind of national teams we should be handing a beating on a regular basis. Siyabonga Nkalambela, Delft

Hearty congratulations to Bafana for a satisfactory victory over Ethiopia at the weekend. However, I need to raise an issue with the coach, who seems to be casting aspersions on Pirates players in general and the club in particular. That he was denied access to watch Bucs play against Sundown’s