The Fans' Voice

READER REQUEST

I'm a Soccer Laduma reader, though not an active contributor to MAKE YOUR POINT. I must say I've been impressed with some of the regular contributors to this page, especially Tente Mokoka. The guy has been an inspiration to some of us. Now my plea to you, Mr Editor, can you please get the guy for us so that we can get to know more about him? What is he doing for a living and when did he start following Sundowns? When we talk about soccer servants, we talk about people like Tente, Amos Tshukudu and Lucky Khunou. Please, Mr Editor, do it for us and interview one of us.

Boikanyo Modiba, Ga-Molepo

TAPELO, TERRENCE CO.

HAVE LAST LAUGH AFTER SIBUSISO SCARE

Well done to our arch-rivals, the Mighty Buccaneers, for clinching a second trophy. They showed us that when you are down, it doesn't mean you are out. Instead, stand up, dust yourself off and work your way up again. I'm very impressed about how they've im­proved. This is a team that didn't rely only on skilful players but worked very hard for each other, including their supporters. These are the people that I believe come last in our football but are always behind their respective teams. Last but not least, a lot has been said about the penalty awarded to Pirates and I'm writing this be­fore I can hear from Ace Ncobo. I want to say Mr Ndzandzeka was spot on, that was a clear penalty because Letsoalo handled the ball by moving his hand towards the ball. Clear penalty! If the attacker didn't move his hand and let Lorch forcefully kick the ball to his hand, the referee wouldn't have given it. The penalty was given because of the hand movement. I don't blame Lorch for doing that, they were trailing and he saw the opportunity and used it and got help from the attacker. We can call Lorch names, but it happens in the game. To my team, you need to dig deep to give us good results next season as we've been patient for too long. Let's stop pointing fingers at Zwane alone, players need to take responsibility as they also contributed to the situ­ation we find ourselves in. I wish all soccer-loving people and all 16 teams a well-deserved rest. Soccer Laduma, you are the best soccer publication I've ever read. I've never missed a single copy since you came on board. Well done!

Albert Khutshwa, Lupapasi village, eCala

Hail the champs! Thank you, Pir­ates, for shutting the big mouths of naysayers. Deuteronomy 28 verse 7-8: "The Lord will defeat your enemies when they attack you. They will attack from one direc­tion, but they will run from you in all directions." I dedicate this verse to enemies of both Pirates and Man City. We are the champions, whether they like it or not. We have written our names on the Nedbank Cup and MTN8 trophies. Halala Mabhakaniya! Phakama Mzom­nyama!

Thokozane Dludlu, Emalahleni

I'm on cloud nine and write this letter with the greatest enthusiasm, this after my favourite team won the 2023 Nedbank Cup. Our chair­man must stop his chopping and changing of coaches. With the kind of players we have at our disposal, I concur with Teko that Bucs look in good shape to challenge for league honours next season. Riveiro is the man to lead us to greater heights. The administration must stop (al­legedly) interfering with the current squad. They mustn't sign players for the coach. Already the coach proved everyone wrong when he asked for players put on the transfer list to be brought back. Look at the likes of Mako and Dzvukamanja, just to name two. Quality match winners. In the past, we've released our best players, only for them to come back to haunt us. Lastly, should we win the league next season, don't fire the coach, because as far as I can remember, no coach has stayed on at Pirates after winning the league. Dr Khoza must give us an explan­ation as to why this happens all the time. Once a Pirate, always a Pirate!

McDivett "Big Mac" Khumbulani Tshehla, KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga

The so-called "plumber" has done it again! Riveiro is the man of the moment and has surprised all and sundry. In his first sea­son in the DStv Premiership, the coach has managed to win two trophies – that's a 'wow'! Thanks, Mabhakaniya, for doing it again. The boys had a tremendous season, one which has been a huge success. We appreciate it and we'll keep on getting behind you all the way. All the players showed dedication and hunger throughout the season and once again, we say thank you, Mabhakaniya. We are at a loss for words. Thanks to the technical team for not giving up even though we started at a slow pace losing games and drawing some, but in the end you've made us happy as the Happy People. To the chairman, the players deserve a lot, Bab' Khoza. Bopha ndod'emnyama, Bopha! Once and Always!

Sibusiso Khumalo, Melmoth, KZN

Praise be to Pirates for winning the 2023 Nedbank Cup. This has been arguably the most impressive sea­son for Bucs, getting two trophies and qualifying for the CAF cham­pions League. The type of football introduced by the coach has taken them to another level. He has good man-manage­ment skills. Riveiro has done well in his first season. So pleasing to see Lorch re­gaining his mojo. Players like him will give the team energy and more aggressiveness in the Champions League. The Buccaneers' recent rise is likened to the activation of a volcano. We applaud Sekhukhune's fighting spirit, for they fought till the end. This must be a motivation for Truter and his troops going forward.

Batsirai Kativu, Johannesburg

Congrats to the Sea Robbers for clinching the Nedbank Cup. Not the greatest performance, but it is the winning mentality that makes you champions. Sekhukhune started the match brightly and it paid off as Bucs were still asleep when Vilakazi slotted home. I really fail to understand why Pirates players did not play to the whistle. The Soweto giants tried everything, but Babina Noko were solid and kept shape at the back. They didn't give Pirates a chance to play their normal game of interchanging passes. Eras­mus was unlucky not to score as he did everything correct in that situation. Sekhukhune were too defensive and did not attack in numbers, with only Mokwana troubling the opposition's defence. Dzvukamanja showed his calibre of scoring goals. The introduction of Ndlondlo, Dlamini and Maela brought some spark as Pirates then managed to unlock the Sekhukhune defence. Hats off to the team, coach Riveiro and tech­nical staff for clinching a double this season.

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 27: Paseka Mako,Thabeng Monare,James Monyane and Sandile Mthethwa of Orlando Pirates celebrates during the Nedbank Cup final match between Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on March 27, 2023 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)Gallo Images

Madimetja Vic Mashamaite, Renstown

This past weekend had so many contrasting, controversial mo­ments on and off the field. Pirates' road to the Nedbank Cup final has never been clean, but well done to them. As for the penalty brou­haha, I think Letsoalo let his team down by wanting to be the referee and touching the ball. But most of all, Lorch's wisdom came to play and it was a spot-on penalty for me. Then came the awards… Let me just leave it there because the whole universe has never been happy with football awards, es­pecially Ballon d'Or ones. Finally, Pirates' success came at the right time for the Soweto giants and it also gives my team a very sleepless off-season to try emulate what our neighbours did this season. So, I'm putting my head on the block and saying one trophy is going to Naturena next season.

Nafie Moloantoa, KwaThema

After finishing second in their DStv Premiership, Pirates de­served what they got. As much as I 'hate' seeing them happy while it's gloom and doom at Naturena, credit should still be given where it's due. Sekhukhune should also be applauded for giving the Buc­caneers a run for their money. Pirates' equaliser came with some controversy, but there's abso­lutely nothing we can do about it as the result stands. In conclu­sion, allow me to congratulate all the award winners of the season and wish all our players the best during the off-season break.

Malesela "Dance" Boya, Kanana, Hammanskraal

Pirates played very well on Sat­urday afternoon in the Nedbank cup final. Sekhukhune did all they could to outclass the Soweto giants, but it was not their day. Sekhukhune players can be very proud of their effort on the day. Well done, guys.

Moses Mokoena, Ga-Mokwakwaila

"13-man Pirates robbed 11-man Sekhukhune, with the referee being Man of the Match, assisted by his assistant." These were headlines I expected in Monday's newspapers. The money heist took place at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday evening. All this for R7 million. It's true what they say, money's the root of all evil. Truth be told, it was criminal for the referee to award a penalty to Pirates for many reasons. Lorch in­tentionally played the ball against Letsoalo, who was lying on the floor. But most importantly, how sure was the referee that Letsoalo touched the ball? The ball didn't even change the direction to war­rant a penalty. The referee blew for what appeared to be the intention of handling. Even so, where would the ball have gone to if he touched it? I don't blame Pirates players and their supporters for celebrat­ing a shameful victory because it was given to them. But if this is the standard of refereeing in the PSL, we might as well scrap the PSL and start when we are ready and serious for international standard. Now that they've benefited, they drag Chiefs into it for past referee­ing decisions to feel good, but this is the worst thing I've ever wit­nessed in South African football. It's not an error.

Lucky Khunou, Meriting

The Nedbank Cup final was one of the best seen after a very long time but was spoiled by poor referee­ing as usual. The referee targeted Sekhukhune players. There was a clear handball in the Pirates 16- yard area by Monyane. The hand changed the direction of the ball completely, not to mention that it was not in a natural position, but the referee ignored it. That was before Vila's goal. As for the overrated Lorch's unsportsmanlike spirit, looking for the hands of a fallen player to make him handle the ball, is there any Fair Play in such a bad action? You'll soon be history in the books of soccer. Well done, Sekhukhune, in a game that was tailored for you to lose from the onset.

Lebatlo Joshua "Mr Cool" Mati, Ramokhutha Section, Dilopye

I believe the Nedbank Cup final between Pirates and Sekhukhune was decent. My anticipation was based in what I saw in the whole season between the two teams. Sekhukhune started very well. They pressed well in the first min­utes of the game with a lot of good moments until they got their goal. Pirates got a dubious penalty that left all South African football fan­atics bewildered. I was stunned. Nevertheless, Pirates boosted their confidence before the CAF Champions League begins next season. They had a good season, congratulations to coach Riveiro and the boys. Good performance by Sekhukhune as well. I hope the two teams will both represent South Africa well in the Champions League and join Sundowns who have represented the country with pride for years.

Terah Maqepula, Mount Fletcher

Sekhukhune had to find a way to lose that game. They had it, it was under their control until the lack of emotional intelligence of the injured player, handling the ball in the penalty area. Did he handle the ball deliberately or was he asking for help so that the ball could be kicked out of play to get the necessary medical attention? I think that was exactly what he was trying to do, but instead, Lorch took advantage and further kicked the ball against the player's hand. That was not good sporting be­haviour from Lorch at all. He was supposed to clear the ball. Pirates are the champions, but how many are going to celebrate with them because that was a very cold move from Lorch? There are better ways to win games.

Leon White, via email

The PSL season ended at Loftus Versfeld Stadium with a contro­versial penalty in the Nedbank Cup final. Firstly, congratulations to Pirates for a hard-fought battle against a stubborn Sekhukhune, who never showed any respect to them. Babina Noko, you did your best, but I guess your best was not good enough. Hard luck for the loss in the dying minutes of the game. As a soccer-loving fan, I am very disappointed about how Pirates were awarded a penalty when Let­soalo was down. How on earth did the referee and his assistant not see that Lorch took advantage of the situation and forced the ball to Letsoalo's hand? PSL and SAFA must act on that. The culprits must not be left unpunished. There was no Fair Play. I blame Letsoalo for raising his hand, he was supposed to lie down without shaking. But overall, big up to all the football supporters who braved the cold weather to attend the final.

Boitumelo Vanrooyen, Schweizer-Reneke

PSL AWARDS…WE WUZ ROBBED!

Well, well, well! What a sham the DStv Premiership end-of-season awards are, but then again, they highlight the hate coaches have for Pirates and also the use of the ubiquitous "brown envelope". There's just no way Saleng couldn't be Footballer of the Season. Those who voted know very well that their conscience will never be clean because they were (allegedly) bought to vote against Saleng. Rhulani as Coach of the Season? Ha! Ja, corruption at its best. He started coaching Sundowns to­wards the middle of the season, but somehow he won the award, whereas Riveiro started the season with Pirates, won two trophies. I would advise Pirates to reject nom­inations in future and just focus on games. The powers that be will al­ways give the awards to those who are "loaded". The whole Pirates team must just have their internal awards and stop worrying about the DStv Premiership ones because it's clear they are not fair at all. Just because Sundowns won the league, their players had to win. Anyway, I am happy and proud of what Pirates achieved this season and they must just laugh off these awards and move on.

Morongwa Zwee Mokgohloa, Ga-Mokgohloa

The PSL awards are really ques­tionable and I don't know how some decisions are made. Saleng was by far the best and data or results can show his input, but as per norm, the deserved candidate gets snubbed. I made a decision to never ever to watch these useless awards again because they don't tell the real story, but I remain Black and White. I'm still baffled as to how and why Rhulani won the Coach of the Season accolade. We have Riveiro, in his maiden season as an unknown, winning two cups and finishing second in the league. I guess maybe he should have won the DStv Premiership to get the Coach of the Season award. These awards really leave one with a lot of questions than answers, let alone that Saleng was not bestowed the Midfielder of the Season honour. Once and Always!

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - MAY 06: Monnapule Saleng of Orlando Pirates during the Nedbank Cup semi final match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on May 06, 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)Gallo Images

Jowah Theethe, via email

I would like to ask why the Footballer of the Sea­son is chosen from all the games including cups, yet the Coach of the Season is chosen only based on league matches? What is the cri­teria used because Saleng was outstanding the whole season, in league and cup games, but was not chosen as the winner. The less said about Rhulani, the better. Did he coach Sundowns the whole season? Lastly, why doesn't Soccer Laduma write about women's soccer? Even the PSL awards are all about men, not women.

Thengile Kwesi Malotane, Wolmaransstad, North West

I'm so amazed by the system used to select Player of the Season, Coach of the Season and Midfielder of the Season and until the PSL or anyone with knowledge explain the process, we'll always assume favours or bribery takes place here because a lot of unanswered questions remain. In soccer these days, we see players judged on their influence that is measured by goals, assists and achievements (whether with team or personal), but when people are selected just because someone felt they should be selected, it tarnishes the game itself. Why don't the PSL make the criteria clear as a refence to avoid the yearly drama that always accompanies the awards? Do they benefit from the controversy maybe?

Romario Koos Machacha, Emalahleni

The curtain has fallen on the 2022/23 DStv Premiership campaign. What a season we had – thrills, frills, high­lights and lowlights. It was a good season for Bucs, bagging two trophies and second spot in the league. For Sundowns to have been knocked out in both semi-finals of the cup com­petitions is not a failure. Individually, it was good to see Mokoena walk away with the Footballer of the Season and Midfielder of the Season gongs. The rest of the awards were shared between Sundowns players, except for those that went to Saleng, who was voted the Players' Player of the Season. Big ups to Williams for breaking the record of most clean sheets, previously held by Moeneeb Josephs. It was a bit of a surprise to see Riveiro not voted Coach of the Season after winning two trophies. Mokwena has done well by setting a record of unbeaten runs. Congrats to all the winners, you deserve it, but don't be one-season wonders and then disappear into thin air. The bar has been raised high for the 2023/24 season!

Gavin Ryan, Witbank

QUICK ONE-TWO'S

Now that the season is over and the new one will commence in two months' time, it's time that all teams take an honest look at them­selves to see what did they do well and where they failed. Even the players must recharge their batter­ies and come back to do better next season. It would be inappropriate if I had to say the referees and their assistants must also go and recharge their batteries, the truth is our officiating teams are a joke. They just need to go back to the basics of officiating and try to apply the rules as they are. Our referees and their assistants will never improve as long as guys like Hlungwani and Ncobo are still covering up for them. Lastly, does it mean Khoza and Mato are so toothless to see the shenanigans of Mpengesi and his team treating our coaches so badly? They are just keeping quiet. What happened to the so-called "bringing the PSL into disrepute"?

Mompati Panyaza Ndlovu, Lekubu village, Zeerust

We called him all sorts of names. We looked at his CV and came to the conclusion it was not appetising at all. We were so cautious because a lot has happened with so many coaches coming to take chances here who were so clueless about football. But Jose has proved that he does not belong to the above­mentioned cohort. Hats off to you, good Sir. Iron Duke, you have done your homework very well by bring­ing this quiet man on our shores.

Siyabonga Nkalambela, Delft

Mathoho, now that your Chiefs chapter has finally ended, I'd like to say yours was a stupendous ca­reer that will be forever etched in our hearts and minds for some time to come. As supporters, we always believed in you, hence we selected you in that Carling Black Label Cup team although you were twid­dling your thumbs on the bench. You never disappointed and gave a five-star performance. Unfortu­nately, that was the last time we saw you on the field, except for that mockery of a two-minute league appearance you were given. I hon­estly believe that the intention was to demoralise you, but like a strong tower, you stood firm, even cheering the team on in subsequent games that you were on the bench. Not once did you sulk. You were indeed a Khosi at heart. One man's trash is another man's treasure. There's a lot of football left in you – go and prove your detractors wrong, Sir. Should it happen that you score a goal against us, do not curtail your celebration because we know that you didn't dump the team but the opposite happened instead. Best wishes for the fu­ture, Tower. I salute you. Hee ndaa.

George Sithole, Honeydew

I nearly cried after watching Mathoho's farewell. I thought maybe the team would give him one season because I can see that he can still add the experience needed at the back. Mathoho is a quality defender who reads the game well and also scores goals. But anyways, let me give credit to our legend. "Tower" is a true legend. Even when he wasn't getting game-time, I never heard negative stories about him. Thanks to Chiefs management for honouring him, he really deserved it. Please, Dr Kaizer, honour Tower and Tshabalala by building their statues at Amakhosi's headquarters.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - MAY 03: Erick Mathoho of Kaizer Chiefs during the Kaizer Chiefs media open day at Kaizer Chiefs Village on May 03, 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)Soccer Laduma

Nghamula Rikhotso-Nkonwana, Mageva village

Congrats to Pirates for their hard-earned victory over Sekhukhune. Truter needs to be highly commended for transforming Babina Noko into a formidable team. If rumours that Zwane will continue coaching Chiefs next season are true, I foresee another bad season for my beloved team. Favouritism is the main downfall of the team under the guidance of the current coach. It was very sad to watch Mathoho in tears at his farewell party. Many other good players will leave the team due to unfair team selection. The Soweto giants have only themselves to blame as they did not re­place Katsande and other quality players like Castro, Nurkovic and Baccus.

Sphelele Shozi, Dududu Ward 19

Chiefs have a fairly good squad in terms of quality this season but lack depth. When Dolly got injured, the midfield was found wanting on numerous occasions. There was also the injury to Billiat, who has been out since January. Mangethe needs to sign a goal­keeper, a central midfielder to replace Blom plus two strikers. They must also beef up their technical staff because we all know that Zwane and Sheppard are still wet behind the ears. Kaizer Jnr must sign Mngqithi to help these two novices and we will be unstoppable come next season.

Songezo "Soso" Roji, Unit P Mdantsane

It's high time we swallow our pride and not blame Sundowns for lacklustre performances in CAF, and actually accept the reality that our South African football has gone down the drain since 2002. Let's also not mislead this generation and compare them with our former greats. A sign of greatness is to com­pete regularly in World Cups and make an impact, like Morocco, in CAF through the national teams, CAF Champions League, Club World Cups, and our players should be spread across the world competing against the best.

Lista Caleni, via email

"Leicester City are the champions of England and the world is left to wonder how on earth did that happen?" Legendary Peter Drury uttered these words in the 2015/16 season just after the Foxes were deservedly crowned Premier League champions. It is now history that Leicester have been relegated, along with Southampton and Leeds. Leicester winning the league was my best moment in football along with Tshabalala's goal against Mexico in 2010. The cruel nature of football knows no bounds. The Foxes have been poor this season and they deserve nothing less. However, the sooner they make their way back to the elite league, the better for them because it can get tough in the Championship. On the local foot­ball front, congratulations to Orlando Pirates for winning the Nedbank Cup. As for Amak­hosi, we try again next season.

Marvin Matseke-Mabula, Burgersfort Leboeng Rutseng

Dortmund made me very upset when they collapsed during their last game of the Bundesliga season. They drew 2-2 against Mainz, at home nogal. The atmosphere was perfectly set for them to finally win the Bundesliga after being runners-up on many occasions and they terribly froze and had to chase a two-goal deficit to salvage a draw. In England, Leicester City were chopped along­side Southampton and Leeds United. I feel for them. They are now the second team after Blackburn Rovers to be relegated having pre­viously won the league.

Amos "Tiger" Tshukudu, Ga-Maria

The English Premier League curtain has also fallen this past weekend. I can't wait for the final of the UEFA Champions League be­tween Manchester City and Inter Milan and the best team on the day will win it. There is still the FA Cup final between Man City and Manchester United to be played. My question is, can Manchester City win them all? Let's wait and see.

Nyambeni Samson Khuphani, Tshiawelo Ext 5

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