READERS SPEAK ON CONTENT
Thank you, Mr Editor, for interviewing people like Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, whose interview appeared in last week's edition of our weekly soccer Bible. These are the kinds of interviews that we need, where honesty and the truth are laid on the table. Kwankwa said a mouthful in relation to what Chiefs used to be compared to what they are currently. After our loss to Galaxy, I read that interview for the third time just to calm my nerves. I can't help but agree with Kwankwa that we have three novices on the bench, yet expect positive results. We know that Chiefs is the World Cup for teams like Galaxy, Royal AM, etc. They would rather lose 10 games and beat Chiefs. Lastly, if Chiefs didn't employ Nabi because his purported signing was all over the media while negotiations were ongoing, it just shows how low the club can stoop and simply says the giant has fallen and it will take a miracle for our team to get to where they were before. I wish the media can spare us this Thabo Cele fiasco. We don't want a Siphelele Mthembu drama where we thought the player was something special, only to find that the opposite was true. Or is it the usual, someone out there used Chiefs' name and the so-called 'imminent signing' as a bargaining tool to get a better deal for Cele? If he's that good, why is he playing in these no-name leagues in unfamiliar countries?
Mompati Panyaza Ndlovu, Lekubu village, Zeerust
Honourable Goalkeeper Kwankwa, I recognize you, Qabane. First it was Mmusi Maimane, now Mr Kwankwa. Your football knowledge is impressive. These types of interviews are interesting. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Akhona Ndletyana, Cape Town
Mr Editor, can you please interview women at administration level, agents, etc. The likes of Janine van Wyk, Basia Michaels. It's Women's Month. Thank you for the celebrity interview. I can't wait for Mr Julius Sello Malema's interview in Soccer Laduma. To Mr Happy Monakhisi of Mohlabaneng Village, the reason we as MAKE YOUR POINT contributors have a committee and a WhatsApp group is because we want to know each other in person. If it happens that someone, God forbid, loses his/her life, we would then be able to contribute something. Remember, we are family here at Soccer Laduma. For more information, let's meet on 26 November at Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium before the match between Kaizer Chiefs and Moroka Swallows. The less said about Doctor Khumalo's column and his boasting, arrogance, degrading comments and analysis of the players, the better.
Moeti Lerato Richard, Qwa-Qwa, Free State
Yusuf Bunting's interview in Issue No. 1336 refers. His dad, Adam, was admired for his ethics in football and as a natural left-footer. He settled in North West with his family and travelled week in, week out; midweek to play football for Lenz team and later transported his kids, Yusuf and Yaseen, to play for Tigers FC in the Lenasia Junior League. Later, Yusuf and Yaseen went to the Chiefs Village in Naturena and made an impact at Chiefs' development, then eventually in the Diski Challenge team. It is every aspiring footballer's dream in SA, then and now, to don either a Chiefs or Pirates or Downs jersey. Bunting was a regular goal scorer at that level. I watched him and he had the right temperament to help solve the first team's frontline problems. The question is, why was Bunting not given that fair opportunity? Instead, Chiefs utilised recycled Parker, bought Zimbabwean Billiat and Castro from Downs. These big names were ineffective in the Chiefs set-up. Chiefs management need to give their view of why Bunting was transferred to Highlands Park.
Even at the Lions of the North, to be fair, Shalulile and Mvala were prolific goal scorers and Bunting needed to bide his time under Da Gama. What went wrong? Did Bunting speak to club management at both Chiefs and Highlands Park about his football career? What did the player's agent or manager, if he had one, do about his playing affairs? Did Bunting approach the Players Union? Yours truly had numerous conversations with his uncle, AB, telling him, "If your nephew needs guidance and help in playing pro football, let me know. I can put you in touch with people in our own midst, like former FPL pros Seeraj Abbas, Sulie Bhamjee, Gora Ebrahim, Goona Padayachee, Prega Thandrind, etc." It fell on deaf ears and we left it there. I'm curious to know from Chiefs management why this player from your own development was sidelined? I'm refusing to make unconfirmed allegations until we hear the Chiefs story. Once again, as minorities of this land, we are being marginalised. Play fair and be equal to all. Comments appreciated.
Ahmed Jogee, via email
AMAKHOSI IN A SPOT OF BOTHER!
It was appalling to hear Chiefs management say they were never interested in Nabi. They replaced a coach because he wasn't matching their ambitious with a coach who doesn't have PSL experience and track record but matched their requirements. Strange. Yes, Ntseki is hired to win, but it's unfair to expect miracles from him based on his record, or lack thereof. If it's Mosimane or Nabi, they obviously won't come cheap because of their achievements and records, then you can demand the results because they are experts in what they do. Chiefs are not in a state to be coached by anyone because we simply don't have the team structure and system yet and, at the moment, we are desparate for microwave achievements. Players can't even do simple basics, which is something very crucial to get confidence and momentum. They insist on playing from the back even when the situation dictates otherwise, like in the game against Sundowns, knowing very well that the Tshwane giants press from the top. Against Galaxy, Castillo had two players to his left to pass to and hesitated and eventually got dispossessed. Msimango was supposed to clear the ball and deal with the second phase later. On a lighter note, though, national elections are looming, maybe we should take a break from football and challenge for government as we know that we are very good at marketing and we have millions of followers. The country needs us. I'm not mocking my team, I'm just taking the pain away so I don't die young because of heartache caused by Chiefs.
Lucky Khunou, Meriting
It is not raining but pouring in Naturena. The more things change, the more they remain the same. I said it before that Ntseki is not a Chiefs material. He has proven to us that Chiefs will never progress under his leadership. Once again, our players do the same things they did last season, yet they expect different results. If you don't score goals, you can't win games. The less said about our erratic goalkeeper, the better. He cost us games left, right and centre. Old lads like Khune must come to our rescue. But what on earth did Ntseki see in Petersen that millions of supporters can't see? I think Kaizer Motaung Senior must step in and assist us with an experienced coach. Ntseki must go, enough is enough! Sundowns are running away with the league once again. Who is going to stop the Sundowns train?
Boitumelo van Rooyen, Schweizer-Reneke
Football, just like all the other sports, is characterised by three results: a win, a draw and a defeat. I know that most, if not all, sport fans detest defeat. I'm a different breed though. I conditionally embrace defeats. Judging by the past three league results against Chippa, Sundowns and Galaxy, Chiefs were completely outplayed, outsmarted and outclassed. Chiefs players are not doing justice to this massive institution founded on the sweat and blood of the current living legends and the late Ewert Nene, who literally sacrificed his life in acquiring the services of Teenage Dladla. Only four players seem to have respect for the badge. Gentlemen, pull up your socks. You chose to play for Chiefs, no one forced you. Some of you are on a hefty salary package. Why play as if you are rendering a community service? I will support you, but you too must reciprocate. Shape up or ship out!
George Sithole, Honeydew
It's clear that the Ntseki-Zwane pairing will not bring any results, as they are two sides of the same coin. Nabi was spot-on in rejecting Zwane as one of his assistants, but the Motaungs, as usual, chose to go with their super egos and dismissed Nabi's recommendations. Let's face it as Chiefs supporters, this club will go nowhere. We know why they did not want to hire Nabi… they couldn't afford to buy Zwane out of his expensive contract and Nabi did not budge on his demands to work with his own technical team. So, the Motaung children decided to show Chiefs supporters the middle finger and hired Ntseki as a head coach with Zwane as his assistant, a move that was not going to cost them a cent. The results are showing now. Granted, they've bought good players, but without proper coaching, those players cannot produce results as was evident in the Galaxy match. Ntseki, just like Zwane, will give you a good post-match analysis of what went wrong and come next match, you see the same mistakes. He speaks of a player audit that was done, but there is nothing to show for it. We are tired.
Sindile Kwitshana, via email
The problem at this beloved institution is management. The fact that we are on eight consecutive seasons without a trophy lies squarely at the door of our management. We have changed coaches, players and venues, all to no avail. Once you lack hunger in life, nothing will automatically manifest and progress. Have you heard management saying, "We want the CAF Champions League title and this is how we're going to get there"? That's vision, which is sadly non-existent with this management, who only believe in one strategy of changing, changing whatever is in sight except themselves. I rest my case.
Fano Mkhwanazi, Durban
We can say it's too early in the season, but the truth is Chiefs are 11 points behind Sundowns and the latter don't look like losing a game anytime soon. Last season, we had some individual defensive blunders which contributed to where we finished on the log standings. When Ditlhokwe and Msimango were signed, a lot of us were relieved, but now our last man in defence is the one costing the team vital points. The goals conceded since the beginning of the season were all the goalkeeper's fault and to make matters worse, he was given the armband. I know football is a team sport, but some errors have nothing to do with the team's set-up but a lot to do with the individual's mental strength. Having said that, it was disappointing to see supporters throwing objects at the technical team just a week after praising them for taking the team to the next stage of the MTN8. It looks like some of the supporters who attend matches lack knowledge of the game. As much as we want our team to win, other teams' supporters want the same for the respective teams. Hopefully the boys turn the fortunes around before it gets too late.
Malesela "Dance" Boya, Kanana, Hammanskraal
With only three league matches played so far this season, it's disappointing to see missiles thrown onto the pitch. It clearly shows that the Amakhosi faithful are not happy with the team's performance. A draw and two losses with a minus goal difference is evidence that their strikers are goal shy. Errors by Petersen are putting more pressure on him that even the brilliant saves he makes are not visible. Pressure is mounting on the technical team. Disgruntled supporters are now baying for Ntseki's blood. It's a well-known fact that soccer is a results-driven game, and if the team doesn't put wins on the board, the fans will show their dissatisfaction. The management have done their part by bringing in quality players to beef up the squad and the ambitions are there to end the trophy drought. Just put up a fight to make the league an interesting contest.
Gavin Ryan, Emalahleni
I'm perplexed by the so-called football pundits who describe Chiefs' performance this season as being hot and cold. The last game against Galaxy was lost in the middle of the park. I've never seen players like Mdantsane, Potsane, Mmodi and Msimango being out of sorts like they were this past weekend. Msimango should have played the ball out, Mmodi was indecisive, Mdantsane never thought about opponents from behind and Potsane was always clueless on and off the ball. In my opinion, our team's problems lie with the coach and his clueless midfielders. This team should easily have a dozen shots at goal, not a mere two. Stop blaming strikers and the goalkeeper. How many of these midfielders had shots at goal? Even Gonzales will be starved of service.
Mamabolo Ntsi, Thabang Mountainview, Segopje
If you keep Ntseki and his technical team, Mr Kaizer Motaung, you will see your club ending the season empty-handed again. These guys are clueless. What a disastrous combination. You let go of the opportunity to hire a good coach in Nabi. Even if you sign Neymar, he would be useless in no time at this club. Chiefs players are not fit, for starters. They don't have a structure, they lack basic skills like trapping and passing the ball. Any duel, rest assured the ball will be won by an opponent. Why is that? Well, as they say, the fish rots from the head and the Chiefs management is simply missing in action. Naturena Village is another problem. It's too glamorous for players to focus on the task at hand, which is conditioning themselves for soccer games. There's just a lot going wrong at Chiefs.
Hofmeyr Kwitshana, Pietermaritzburg
Chiefs are in a dangerous situation. Ntseki must react very fast to avoid being given a dismissal letter by the management because we as supporters are losing patience. We have players, but they don't click and are not hungry enough to play for Chiefs. Chivaviro must get serious, otherwise he will be the next Kambole. Du Preez is the only player who is showing glimpses of hunger up front. If Petersen keeps on donating own goals, please Ntseki, it's time to call the young Molefe and throw in the deep end. We are waiting to see Gonzales, maybe he will help us up front.
Masiza Sidney Mbobo, Thaba Chicha, Nicefield, Matatiele
I've said it before and I'm going to say it for the last time, why wasn't Zwane given at least 10 games in this new season to prove himself? I mean, the poor guy was playing good football but was only let down by poor finishing up front. This season, we bought new, attack-minded players, but we are failing to have shots on target. I'm not saying I don't believe in this new coach, but our own management is taking us backwards with some of their decisions sometimes. I mean, there was no pressure from anyone that forced them to change Zwane. Even if the Galaxy goalkeeper, Kolak, would have gone to the shops to buy groceries for his family, he would still come back and find that the score was still 1-0 in their favour. While teams keep saying we need to clip the wings of a certain Pretoria side, that team keeps raking in three points in each and every game. No matter how scrappy their play is at times, they keep accumulating those points.
Nafie Moloantoa, KwaThema
Another disappointing performance by Amakhosi at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday. Besides the coach, the players themselves seem to be disrespecting the team's badge. A coach can coach the team, but individual brilliance creeps in as the match progresses. The movement off the ball, when in possession, needs no coaching at professional level. Poor distribution and other basic mistakes committed by the Chiefs goalkeeper cost the team, but at the end of the day, Ntseki had to be blamed. Chiefs, as a team, failed to absorb the pressure exerted by Galaxy, but the sad part is that the coach had to be blamed after the final whistle. I miss the era of Middendorp, who used to address the team in an extremely harsh manner during half-time until the team improved its performance drastically in the second half. Being harsh on players is not expedient but is part of improving the team performance.
Sphelele "SS13" Shozi, Dududu, Ward 19
We as supporters need to change. Times have changed, we too need to come with new ways of doing things. As a Chiefs supporter, I too am frustrated with the way things are happening at the club in terms of not winning any silverware, but what the supporters keep on doing whenever things are not going our way, throwing objects at the coach, is not a solution and will never be. These ugly scenes, we just witnessed them when Zwane was in charge and it didn't start with him – it happened before. The dust hasn't even settled and Ntseki is already subjected to the same treatment. This is not the way to show how much you love your team. Chiefs did not perform well for the past eight seasons, but now this season is still so new. Why this kind of behaviour? I once said in these pages of Soccer Laduma that if we as supporters feel that our team is letting us down, which is the case by the way, let us all boycott their games so that they can face opposition supporters without us. Then maybe they will understand how we feel and how we are suffering. We spend so much time and money for the love of this team but what are we getting in return? The back of the hand. But let us not throw objects!
Albert Khutshwa, Lupapasi village, eCala
Ntseki's appointment was met withscepticism, and rightfully so. The way Chiefs played against Galaxy, one could tell that he was coaching from the stands last season. Nothing has change and to be trailing Downs by 11 points with only three games played is an embarrassment to everyone associated with this giant of SA football. It's about time perhaps we accept that this sleeping giant has slept forever and there's no awakening anytime soon. I wrote to MAKE YOUR POINT after we lost to Pirates in the Nedbank Cup semifinals last season that we needed a reliable goalkeeper going into 2023/24. Three games in, I'm proven right as Petersen has been erratic. He always commits schoolboy errors. It's high time Khune comes back to the starting line-up. He's the only reliable keeper we have despite his advancing years. It seems like the only thing we're going to celebrate this season is the Kappa jerseys and I'm glad I haven't bought one yet.
Marvin Matseke-Mabula, Burgersfort Leboeng Rutseng
Quick One-Two's
It was unbelievable when assistant referee Thamaga Sebati and referee Siyabonga Nkomo allowed a dubious goal for Swallows when Mhango pushed the Sekhukhune goalkeeper. I mean, how was this allowed when Sebati was in line with play and his vision was clear? He should have helped the referee in this case. Also, the referee in this case could have taken any decision, even if he differed with his assistant. The goalkeeper was not protected in this situation and it was very clear that he was pushed. The decision to suspend the match officials is correct and for them to go through rehabilitation process is good because we can't just destroy them, we need to build them. These measures will encourage them to learn more and avoid making the same mistakes. The ugly scenes between the two respective teams need to be dealt with because we cannot always fight when the referee's decision is against us.
Madimetja Vic Mashamaite, Renstown
I was one of those who was opposed to the introduction of VAR in our football because I believed it would kill the momentum of the game, but after witnessing several dubious decisions by match officials in PSL games of late, I've changed my mind. We need VAR as a matter of urgency. I don't know how long the process takes, but I've heard media reports that SAFA is working on the matter, just awaiting FIFA's approval. I know for a fact that SAFA does take punitive measures against incompetent match officials, but that doesn't help much because it doesn't change the match results. Introduce VAR now, not later.
Bongani Mgubela, Diepkloof
My heart bleeds seeing our stars flushing their talents down the drain with their poor attitudes. Being a public figure automatically qualifies one to be a role model and it comes with huge pressure. The mistake our public figures make is to act like superstars the moment the money starts rolling in. They become impossible, they don't want to sign autographs for fans and are not media-friendly. They forget the days when they were chasing journalists wanting to appear on magazine and newspaper front pages and billboards when they were unknowns. If not arriving late for interviews, they become arrogant. They chase all the skirts in sight, do drugs and consume all assortments of alcoholic beverages, and party as if there's no tomorrow. This is when they lose focus and their God-given talent gets neglected and flushed down the drain. When you look after your talent, it will, in turn, look after you.
McDivett Khumbulani Tshehla, KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga
The DStv Premiership is back with a bang, with Sundowns still giving other coaches sleepless nights, winning all five games (in all competitions) so far. That shows that Masandawana are at it again. A lot has been said about them this season, "Sundowns is not dangerous like last season", etc. Everyone is entitled to his opinion, but the fact remains that Downs are still winning despite the criticism. What I like about Rhulani is that he does his talking on the field, unlike Mammila who was making all the noise but ended up being easily beaten. The players that Sundowns signed this season are all marvellous to watch and they have added value to the team. Credit must be given to the scouting team for the good work done.
Barnes Hadebe, Sundowns' Estcourt branch
Sundowns are very dangerous. Mammila thought they are like Chiefs and Pirates, and so didn't see the loss coming. He is a confident coach, but Sundowns are a better team. Congratulations to Downs for winning all four games in the league – 12 points in the bag.
Moses Mokoena, Ga-Mokwakwaila
This goalkeeper from Chippa, Nwabili, is desperate for attention. His unnecessary delaying tactics are so childish. The guy should focus on football and leave those things for the circus. I'm not impressed by his childish behaviour. We want to enjoy football and not watch that immature behaviour. He is one of those players who are satisfied by a draw. This clearly shows that he has no winning mentality at all. He deserves to play amateur football.
Tau Tona Molebatsi, Ivory Park
Congrats to my team, Pirates, for starting the CAF Champions League campaign with a narrow win away. Our opponents my appear weak and deserve punishment from us, but we must appreciate that playing away is never easy. We will wait for them to come here and we'll obliterate them. At least the hard work is done now, the boys must seal everything this side. Like I previously articulated, this Pirates team looks promising and the quality in this team is only second to Sundowns', if not at the same level, and more is expected from them this season. Once a Pirate, always a Pirate!
Thapelo Masiapata, Ramaroka village, Bolobedu
When Spain's Carmona scored the only goal of the game, her father, who passed away two days before the World Cup final, could only smile from heaven. The Spain management were right not to inform her so that she could fully concentrate on the crucial game, which saw them becoming only the second country after Germany to win both the men's and women's World Cups. Overall, this was an exciting tournament to watch. In all the games I saw, there was never a single incident of players being booked for diving. Our male players, especially Neymar, can learn a lot in that regard since some of them are cheaters of note. They produce Oscar performances week in, week out, which in the end costs coaches their jobs. Other teams might even be relegated, come to think of it.
Amos "Tiger" Tshukudu, Ga-Maria
Spurs played well in their 2-0 victory over Man United. Unlike Liverpool who struggled last season after Mane's departure, it looks they won't miss their reliable striker Kane that much. The latter made his presence felt in his debut game as Bayern thrashed Bremen 4-0 as he also scored. Locally, although it is too early in the season, Sundowns are on a mission to defend their league title as they've won all four league games and the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals match. Chiefs are yet to register a league win alongside Royal AM, Richards Bay FC and newcomers Spurs. Although Petersen made some brilliant saves, he blundered with the goal he conceded. The overall performance was bad, with Galaxy dominating, especially in the second half. There were few chances created and no supply up front. A lot of work lies ahead for our defenders as they committed schoolboy errors. With Downs still coming in the MTN8 semi-finals, it really does not look promising.
Bernard "Bra Ben" Tshukudu, Ga-Maria
