Maponyane: Embarrassing To Showboat With No Trophy

Aug 3, 2024 - 01:00 pm

By SL Journo

Maponyane: Embarrassing To Showboat With No Trophy

BLOEMFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 28: Mfundo Vilakazi of Kaizer Chiefs during the Toyota Cup 2024 match between Kaizer Chiefs FC and Young Africans at Toyota Stadium on July 28, 2024 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Photo by Charle Lombard/Gallo Images)

During the match, Vilakazi, nicknamed 'Obrigado,' showcased his skills with elaborate footwork, which occurred notably in the first half while the team was in an attacking phase. However, this display did not translate into a positive result in terms of a goal, as Young Africans soon took control of the game. Maponyane, who has consistently criticized showboating in South Africa, reiterated his stance in an interview with GameOn on Radio 2000.

"I think you are asking the wrong guy (laughs) I criticised it when (Masibusane) Zongo was doing it and I was being criticised to the core because it's not my kind of game. The ball is round and SABS approved so you can't be rounding the ball when it's round already," Maponyane told GameOn on Radio 2000.

Maponyane further elaborated on the consequences of such play, emphasizing that showboating should only be used strategically to outmaneuver opponents, not merely to entertain the crowd.

"And showboating that has no direction for me it always ends up with results that we saw yesterday (on Sunday). You've got to always show your skills when there's a need, like trying to carve open the opposition. But if you do it just to impress the crowds, then you will look back and see nothing shines in my cabinet at all.

"You got to win something, I'd be embarrassed if I do that knowing it's nine years and I don't have a trophy let alone a player of the match."

READ: 5 Lessons From Chiefs' Heavy Defeat

Maponyane also highlighted the importance of guiding young players away from such tendencies, especially in a professional setting where results are paramount.

"So, you got to be very careful when you breed these players especially the youngsters in particular. You trying to rid them of this behaviour," added the football icon.

Despite the controversy, Vilakazi, who graduated from the club's development structures last season and made seven appearances under then-interim coach Cavin Johnson, seems to have the support of new head coach Nasreddine Nabi, as evidenced by his inclusion in the starting line-up against Yanga.

As Chiefs prepare for the upcoming season, which they will begin in September after failing to qualify for the season-opening MTN8, the focus will likely be on balancing individual flair with team strategy and effectiveness.

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