Downs Win A Hard-Fought Battle
Congrats to Sundowns for reaching the MTN8 final after beating Chiefs in the second leg. The Soweto giants started badly by conceding in the early stages of the game. That goal distracted them because it was a result of an expensive mistake from their goalkeeper. Sundowns looked so vulnerable, especially at the back. Lebusa and Kekana were not that solid because when Du Preez had possession, they cracked very easily and failed to match his pace. Ribeiro was not in the game. Even Zwane was not that influential. The introduction of Saile changed the complexion of the game as he outran them. Ntseki should not have substituted Castillo and Potsane as they threatened Sundowns when in possession. The second goal was given to Shalulile on a silver platter. You can't defend while down on the ground and Ribiero was smart enough to spot Shalulile. To me, Chiefs had a better opportunity to beat Sundowns and the score should have motivated them more as they only needed a goal to go through. I'm not sure if Gonzalez will help them as it looks like he's struggling. Otherwise, well done to Sundowns. Well, they know how to demolish a team from Soweto whenever they come across one.
Madimetja Vic Mashamaite, Renstown
Sundowns have proven again that they are the best team in SA football. Playing in the CAF Champions League has been benefiting the team a lot. Beating two Soweto giants in a space of three days is no child's play and made me very happy. Rhulani and his entire technical team are doing a very good job, they really need to be commended. Beating Chiefs in the MTN8 semis was the greatest thing. At least this time Chiefs tried to play an offensive game, unlike what they did in the first leg in their own backyard. I heard some section crying for a penalty that they say should have been awarded to Chiefs. I'd like to remind them that when their team was benefiting from poor refereeing, they were happy. When they were awarded dubious penalties and opposition teams' penalty appeals were ignored, they were happy. If Sundowns benefitted on the day, it's ok, it's their time to benefit. Their team has benefitted for years, they mustn't cry that now other teams are benefitting. They must accept it. Thank you, Masandawana, for making us happy.
Barnes Hadebe, Sundowns' Estcourt branch
The Sky is the Limit. I write this letter to congratulate Sundowns for the good job against Chiefs. The game kept us on the edge of our seats. To be honest with you guys, Chiefs did not give up fighting until the last minute. On a different note, there's that wasteful boy by the name of Thapelo Maseko. Rhulani must teach him to share the ball. He's overdoing his dribbling. Coaching is needed for the boy, big time. My second advice is for the strikers up front, they lack pace to connect with Shalulile. He needs to delay his runs for them to come. Kekana and Lebusa must be comfortable on the ball.
Sinethemba Gwe, via email
The game started at a frenetic pace and with a high press from Sundowns, leading to Shalulile scoring the fastest goal after nine seconds. To crown it all, it was from an acute angle. The goal was just what the doctor ordered to open up the game and not allow both teams to sit back or park the bus. At times, Downs slowed the game down to pedestrian pace and had all the possession, but that possession did not result in them increasing their lead. It was, instead, the visitors who had more shots at goal. The Downs defence finally cracked after three consecutive corners to force a penalty. Chiefs' rearguard lost concentration at a critical phase of the game to leave an unmarked Shalulile to put Downs in the lead just before the break. The second half was a cagey affair with both teams not wanting to make mistakes. In the latter stages, Chiefs pinned Downs back in their own half and Downs played on the counterattack. In referee's optional time, there was late drama when Maseko tried to clear the ball and, in the attempt, kicked a Chiefs player inside the 18-yard area. With the Downs players and technical bench with their hearts in their throats, the referee waved play on. It's such decisions that cause crowd violence and coaches to lose their jobs. Downs are through to the final, but the referee must be embarrassed with his decision when he looks back at the game.
Gavin Ryan, Emalahleni
I think Ntseki got his tactics right to start up front with the trio of Du Preez, Potsane and Mmodi. As usual, the goalkeeper let us down and, this time, he outdid himself. Just imagine, within 10 seconds of the start of the game! If there's one thing that will cost Ntseki his coaching role, it's his continued reliance on Petersen ahead of Khune. It's time the latter returned full-time as a Chiefs goalkeeper. Supporters are not stupid, they see Petersen's blunders week in and week out. Now, how will he endure the booing from supporters as it happened in the Sundowns game, going forward? I can say now that Ntseki is a knowledgeable coach tactically, as Doctor Khumalo testified in one of his columns, but he is too much of a softie for a big club like Chiefs. This is the same reason Kaizer Motaung brought foreign coaches to the club in the past, the likes of Muhsin Ertugral, who were not scared to crack the whip, and they got results. Ntseki must remove Petersen and Hlanti from the squad. Petersen can't even marshal his backline and just throws passes at them when they least expect them, which results in unnecessary goals. This reminds me of a keeper named Banks Setlhodi in the '70s, who used to bark instructions at his defenders to keep them focused. Khune is also good at that, need I say more?
Sindile Kwitshana, via email
The game between Sundowns and Chiefs was a great one. The two teams were going at each other fearlessly, although an early error again by Petersen cost his team. This is the very same player who gifted Sundowns in the first leg. Two crucial mistakes by the captain nogal. For me, Chiefs must stop starting from the back because they can't play from the back at all. Whenever they do that, they fail and end up putting themselves under pressure and conceding goals. Imagine if, in the first leg, they had played their normal game passing the ball up front and in the second leg passing to their midfielders instead of restarting from the goalkeeper, who cost the team. They would have been in the MTN8 final because Sundowns wouldn't have the two goals they were gifted with. Next time, stop playing from the back and drop Petersen because his mistakes are costly.
Albert Khutshwa, Lupapasi village, eCala
I'm at a loss for words as I write this letter. Heavy hearted too. Beloved Kaizer Chiefs let another opportunity to win a cup slip. We had the worst start as we conceded a goal after just 10 seconds. My word, one nearly had a heart attack! I had barely sat down as I was coming from the kitchen to pour myself a glass of Oros when Shalulile opened the scoring. I've said this before and I repeat, we need a reliable goalkeeper as Petersen has showed us again that he can't be trusted. He should have cleared the ball sideways as he saw he was under pressure from Shalulile, but alas, he chose a difficult route. It was a good game, Amakhosi did not sit back as compared to the first leg and we had a couple of good chances to win the match, but it wasn't to be. I also don't like this tendency of Chiefs always performing poorly in the first half and only playing well in the latter stages of the second half. Chiefs have never been good at chasing games, so I'm begging Ntseki to improve the team's performances in the first half. I didn't buy the Kappa jersey because it would have been a waste of my hard-earned money as this team just knows how to break our hearts. I'll buy a Chiefs replica jersey when they win a trophy and end this long trophy drought. Petersen's contract must not be renewed and the team must release Hlanti in January. The referees never cease to create controversy week in and week out as Chiefs were denied a clear penalty in stoppage time. Shocking. The drought continues.
Marvin Matseke-Mabula, Burgersfort, Leboeng Rutseng
Petersen really makes it a habit being unprofessional at this level of the game. Can the Chiefs management try to buy a quality goalkeeper to compete with him? He makes the under-pressure defenders even more uncomfortable to play from the back. As for Sundowns, the PSL really need to look into their players cheating the game. Every time they get beaten to the ball, which allows the opposition team to attack with a goalscoring opportunity, they tend to pull and tug on the jersey of the attacking player. Please get us Rayners and Sirino. Petersen is costing the team.
Leon White, via email
If you have a delinquent child and he commits crimes right in front of you and your demeanour is that of an amused onlooker, then you are none other than Molefi Ntseki. That's what I observed during his post-match interview. I hope Johnson is warming up because somebody is sitting on his chair. Chiefs have no technical team, period. What is infuriating me is that they can't score goals and yet they're so generous in conceding them to opposition teams, especially Sundowns. Chiefs simply can't start play from the back because they are not good passers of the ball. They are very erratic and are not comfortable on the ball. If they want to continue starting play at the back, then Khune is the keeper they must use. Petersen is just hopeless and I've lost count of the mistakes he's committed since he started playing. Lastly, Ntseki Co. need to step aside, there's no room for mediocrity at this level and at this club for that matter. Hlanti is also found wanting every time we concede, it's high time he's rested. Fortunately, there's a very good player for that position, Dove.
Hofmeyr Kwitshana, Pietermaritzburg
Ntseki never ceases to amaze me. When he gets one thing right, he gets another horribly wrong. The front three of DSG (Du Preez, Saile, Gonzalez) gave us a "vrrr phaaa" performance, especially in the first half against SuperSport. A positive that could be improved. There's another preferred combination front three of MPD (Mmodi, Potsane, Du Preez). We haven't found the best combinations yet. Sometimes I feel like Saile should be given the ball to put under his armpit to keep and be passed the other ball to share with his teammates. His decision-making is poor and he holds onto the ball longer. Du Preez is too speedy for Gonzalez. The two must develop an understanding. Gonzalez should be in and around the big box to be effective. The coach's preferred fullbacks, Kwinika and Hlanti, are too flat. It's time for Frosler and Dove to be considered. The coach has also developed a strong liking for Matlou. Three goals against Sundowns and SuperSport weren't mistakes but deliberate for lack of a better word because these were just a repeat of last season coming into this season, nothing new. The same experienced culprits, Hlanti and Petersen. Against Sundowns, Petersen must have had the most touches in the Chiefs team, if not the most in the game, despite his panicky nature, yet he still got those back passes. So far this season, only Du Preez and Castillo have got character and great Chiefs attitude. The less said about the referees, the better.
Lucky Khunou, Meriting
I honestly pity Chiefs management. When we all thought they had signed the missing puzzle in the team with the acquisition of Mthethwa, it seems like they must raid the transfer market again in January to bolster the goalkeeping department since Khune will be leaving at the end of the season and Bruce Bvuma is blowing hot and cold. In three games between Sundowns and Chiefs, Petersen is the leading player in terms of assists for the opposition. He has a 100% assists record. Three games and three assists – two in the league and one in the cup. Hopefully, a new contract hasn't been concluded yet between the two parties and it shouldn't be. The refereeing scourge will only be solved by VAR, but it seems like the team must be innovative and subject particularly the keeper to a polygraph test.
George Sithole, Honeydew
It saddens me to witness the unfair treatment meted out by our so-called Love and Peace fans to Ntseki. Sometimes in the Beautiful Game you will lose games you were never meant to lose. Let me just say since Ntseki took over, Chiefs is playing a game that's pleasing to the eye. Unlike under Middendorp or Baxter, he deserves to be given a fair chance to continue doing the good job he's doing. Management must avoid listening to the naysayers and repeating the same mistake they made with Hunt, who performed miracles with a thin squad. I pen this email immediately after the MTN8 semi-final loss to Sundowns, but believe you me, I'm proud of Amakhosi's performance thus far. After seeing the referee ignoring a clear penalty from a tackle from behind on Mdantsane by a Sundowns player in the dying minutes, I don't have a choice but to correct Rhulani that God is a Downs fan. Remember how they won the CAF Champions League? They were reinstated after being knocked out. Clearly, God is love. Let me rest my case.
Sylvester Mashishi, via email
Sundowns and Pirates have set a date for the MTN8 final. Congrats to them, it's a big one and I'm sure the sponsors are smiling. A sore loser I am not and never will be, but Downs' path in this year's edition is littered with controversy. Starting with how they eliminated Swallows in the quarterfinal to the first and the second legs of the semi-final against Chiefs. We are really in need of Video Assistant Referee to rescue our football. Both weekend games were entertaining. Petersen was at it again. It is not a laughing matter anymore. The boy needs help and it confuses me how he's been selected for games after committing these mistakes. The technical team must protect him and build his confidence before bringing him to the team again.
Siyabonga Nkalambela, Delft
Bucs Scrape Through…
Pirates started the season like a house ablaze, but it seems the technical team is now destroying every good work done with the team. Tampering with defensive midfield is the reason we're getting poor results. Timm is the best defensive midfielder we have, but the technical team doesn't see that and it comes as a shock why he's benched. Playing Ndlondlo in a defensive position limits his offensive appetite. If they can let Timm and Monare play in that defensive structure, with Ndlondlo in an offensive position, then no team will break our midfield and the team will start scoring goals again. We've lost three games consecutively and failed to even get a single goal – that's the technical team's fault. Losing three games in a row will affect the players mentally and they'll start doubting themselves. Why is Riveiro playing the young Baloni ahead of Timm? We lost against Stellenbosch FC because of that silly mistake. Ndlondlo was overloaded by the Stellies midfielders because Baloni was nowhere to be found. Against Sundowns, they made the same mistake again and you ask yourself why are they doing it? Pirates is not a team to experiment and to please everyone. If they continue doing so, we'll lose against Jwaneng Galaxy. Our technical team is creating a bad history. Why was Kimvuidi not given game-time against Stellies because he played well against Sundowns? I miss Lorch and Pule and I doubt if our coach will ever field them again because we are not getting any update about their whereabouts. We'll always remain Once and Always, Mabhakaniya, and we'll rally behind our team all the time. We'll see Sundowns in Mabhida, where it will be payback time.
Sibusiso Khumalo, Melmoth, KZN
Congrats to Pirates for making it to the final of the MTN8, even though they lost the second leg against Stellenbosch FC. Thanks to the away goal rule, the Buccaneers will lock horns with the Brazilians in the final. However, truth be told, Bucs' performances have been below par of late, having lost their last three games. This is a great cause for concern for me, especially heading to the final against a red-hot Sundowns. I hope the technical team will work on our goalscoring problem before the final.
Bongani Mgubela, Diepkloof
Man In The Middle…Of all The Controversy!
Our Beautiful Game is a game of passion and drama, goals, mistakes and so much agony. On agony, I think of the 92ndminute goal Sundowns scored. Only one thing beats that pain, it is when referees make mistakes that cost a possible R8 million and the end of a trophy drought. I do understand that refereeing mistakes are part of the game, but lately, these mistakes happen too often in favour of one team. The shenanigans allegations against Sundowns by Moira Tlhagale, whose husband coached that particular team, can't and shouldn't be taken lightly, especially when these "mistakes" happen in such quick succession. On 9 August, Shalulile scored against Chiefs from an offside position and cost Chiefs a point, which might mean a great loss going forward. On Saturday, Mr Badi made three match-deciding "mistakes" against the same team. Was it ibhadi (bad luck) or chicanery? Me thinks the latter. Maybe the first goal was an oversight on his part for allowing the goal to stand after Shalulile encroached the centre circle, but the two clear penalties? He was right there when Castillo was pulled and the same thing when Mdantsane was kicked. C'mon, Sundowns, we see you and your chicanery. I mean, this team is teeming with talent and playing the best soccer in the PSL and probably in Africa and don't need to cheat. What do you call buying players they don't need just to hoard them away from competitors? They will borrow, say, two crucial SuperSport players, who are then allowed to play against any opposition but Sundowns. They get to play a weakened team and gain an advantage through their financial muscle instead of ability on the field only. I know that you and I, Editor, don't agree on this one, but I'm sure nonsense like this won't happen in top leagues! On the back of Moira's insinuation, chicanery isn't far-fetched!
Mzwandile Tembo, Welkom
We are often told that the DStv Premiership is one of the best leagues in Africa, but the very same league does not have Video Assistant Referee. When is VAR going to be introduced in Mzansi football? We are tired of always seeing referee Masixole "Sundowns" Bambiso aiding Sundowns to win against Pirates. The very same referee failed to give Zwane a red card after tackling Sibisi last season. This referee did it again when he was supposed to send off two Sundowns players: Mbule for two yellow cards and Williams. Instead, he gave a red card to the Pirates assistant coach Ncikazi. To prove that indeed the PSL is the best league in Africa, introduce VAR. If Mzansi referees are unable to officiate big games, the PSL should invite overseas referees to be guest referees in big games. Abongile "Chiefs" Tom and Jelly "Chiefs" Chavhani need VAR. Introduce VAR, finish and klaar.
Mosa "Mr Cool Blackberry One" Mothobi, via email
The football that we were promised by Ntseki is slowly coming together very nicely. If we can follow the modern trends of football and get a striker coach, then it's a matter of time before we kill many teams. PSL and SAFA must quickly come together and reach an agreement and implement VAR. We as the soccer-loving nation feel cheated by the match officials. We don't mind losing a match, but losing to the officials is a bitter pill to swallow.
Tshepo Modike, Freedom Park
Chiefs and Pirates supporters are lunatic to think that Sundowns are robbing them. The presiding officer in a football match is the referee. The decision of the referee is final. When a decision is made, supporters must move on and accept it. How many cups have Chiefs won because of referees' dubious decisions? The Rothmans Cup final in 1998 is an example. A team must score more goals in case there is a wrong decision, you will still win the game. Jealousy is contagious and the Soweto giants must make peace that Sundowns is indomitable. The only team that can beat Sundowns is Sundowns. Luxolo Badi deserve to be called for the Afcon tournament in Ivory Coast next year. He is so experienced.
Peter wa ga Makwela, Klipgat
It is with great disappointment to note how poor our referees have become when it comes to officiating games recently. In many cases, we keep on saying they are also human beings and they are bound to make mistakes like many of us, but the very same mistakes that they make week in, week out make this Beautiful Game of football to be boring. The referees' committee is a bit soft since they suspend them and take them to lower leagues. There's nothing proper to empower them so that they can come back with fresh ideas on how to officiate games. SAFA needs to step up and do the right thing before it's too late.
Happy Monakhisi, Mohlabaneng village, Bolobedu
I must concur, this weekend we had great MTN8 semi-finals, but yet again, the dubious decisions by match officials took centre stage. When will the higher echelon of football powers do something about it than just demoting or rehabilitating match officials? Watching Sunday's match, I don't see Pirates defending their title. On an international note, watching Manchester United win was good but it was not a convincing victory. As we know, Manchester United v Burnley is a Lancashire derby, so the narrow win didn't impress me.
Jeffrey "Oarasib" Hartzenberg, Klapmuts, Stellenbosch
Quick One-Two's
Gone are the days when South Africa was a toast of the world. We were a miracle country that won major sporting events soon after our democracy. However, things have been falling apart at an alarming rate in politics, economy and sport. Therefore, the idea of bidding for the Women's World Cup is misplaced. We are facing too many challenges, which are not going to be solved anytime soon. On the football front, our mother body is fumbling big time with the bloated so-called NEC and their honchos. Those guys are only there to line their pockets while there is nothing happening in terms of national teams and development. When last did we ever hear about the men's U17, U20 or U23 team? Mind you, the Olympics are around the corner. Let's not fool ourselves and waste money with the bidding process. Let's cut down on SAFA NEC numbers, using the money for the bidding process for football development and administration. Who is going to attend those games when Banyana Banyana is not properly supported as it is right now? We will be avoiding a major disappointment and embarrassment in front of the world. I hope we don't get the right to host that World Cup as we have nothing to offer except inefficiency when it comes to football administration and development. So, SAFA, please heed our call not to bid for the 2027 Women's World Cup.
Thabang Lehoko, via email
I agree with Doctor Khumalo that South African football is losing out with coaches like Shakes Mashaba no longer on the soccer scene. Mashaba had a good win percentage as Bafana Bafana coach but has hardly coached at the top level for several years. Experienced football people like Mashaba, Owen Da Gama, Dan Malesela and Gordon Igesund could impart valuable knowledge to clubs or even SAFA. The latter could create a better climate for clubs by listening to the input of these coaches, who know what plans and resources a club needs to succeed. In last week's edition, Da Gama even spoke about the successful foundations he laid at various clubs.
Saul Kamionsky, Johannesburg
I'm so disappointed by many things in our football. Football needs an emergency meeting to fix many issues. Supporters are becoming hooligans who want to handle things violently. It's a habit in our country – if we need things done, we destroy everything in front of us. The stadium is a place for a family outing, what message are we sending to our kids? Wearing a team's merchandise, you're an ambassador, so why behave like rascals? It's totally wrong. Teams are getting huge fines. I appeal to stadiums to have cameras where we can identify these hooligans. On a different matter, match officials are really bad. They cost coaches their jobs. I foresee danger if they continue like this. Some match officials are not fit to officiate in the PSL. The sooner we get a solution, the better. I'm an ambassador for my team. Hooligans must be rooted out of our football.
Danny "Madeenzo" Moreo, Segakwana village, Moruleng
