The Premiership, a stage for footballing dreams, witnessed a rare spectacle when Royal AM chairman Andile Mpisane, a 22-year-old fitness enthusiast, graced the pitch for 45 minutes, a full half.
Cue the outrage from Cape Town Spurs' boss Ernst Middendorp at the forefront, speaking to the media in South Africa.
"It's embarrassing for coaching what I have seen, AmaZulu playing against Royal AM, it's embarrassing. I think we can expect Bobby (Motaung) in the game because he deserved it. He is so fit! He can even play for Kaizer Chiefs for 45 minutes," Middendorp told journalists in a press briefing.
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"Guys, I feel really embarrassed myself as a coach and then you sit there and say because he was so good in a training session, he deserves to play."
This, for Middendorp, isn't just about one chairman playing in a match. He believes it's a symptom of a larger problem with football in the country.
"We have a portfolio of challenges, we have problems here but what's going on in the league it's roller-coaster of a comic," the outspoken coach further lamented.
Mpisane's controversial appearance played out against the backdrop of financial struggles of certain South African clubs, and recent FIFA transfer bans, painting a disappointing picture of the league this season. Middendorp's criticism is about misplaced priorities, a demand for respect for the sport, and a reminder of the seriousness of professional football in the Premiership.
On the other hand, Royal AM may believe Mpisane deserved to have a run out in the game, and it remains to be seen if other PSL coaches share the same sentiment of the German mentor.
Royal AM coach John Maduka pointed out that while it was the chairman's first appearance, they had previously looked at giving him opportunity to take the field.
Just a few days ago, Middendorp was involved in an argument with what appeared to be a fan at the Cape Town Stadium. Cape Town Spurs lost 2-0 to neighbours Cape Town City in that game on Sunday. The video was published on social media by a fan.
The pressure is mounting on the former Chiefs coach, with Spurs still rock bottom of the table.
DRAMA ?????????????????? @CapeTownSpursFC coach #ErnstMiddendorp going at it with a some fans after game ?????????????????? #iKapaDerby
— Umjaka ?? #DlalaMdlali (@umjaka) December 31, 2023
He not saying "come on, lift me up man!!!" pic.twitter.com/eLpjgBRmEY
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