In recent times, there has been huge debate over township football and its relevance in the modern game, more especially as it has started receiving acclaim. So much so that even television broadcasters have bought into the concept, displaying the unorthodox version of football on national television. Fans appear to share the same sentiments as the TV gurus. Unlike in the DStv Premiership, which, apart from a few high-profile games like the Soweto Derby, struggles to attract the masses in the form of bums on seats, these tournaments have managed to pull in crowds by the thousands, which has led to the suggestion that the professional side of the game could learn a thing or two from their informal counterparts, particularly when it comes to entertainment. Those who hold a contrasting view will argue that kasi football detracts from the modern game. That the skills displayed by the players hinder the development of South African football and are partially to be blamed for the lack of success of the national teams. That it renders the hallowed game of football into almost a circus. In light of this, the Siya crew spoke to a few stakeholders, from both the professional and amateur spheres, to hear their views on this debate.
What The Siya Crew Has Been Told…
Both township football and the professional game have developed expeditiously over the last three decades. The Premier Soccer League, thanks to its hoard of sponsors and the lucrative broadcasting rights, has become a multimillion-rand industry, while football played in the so-called dusty streets has become more lucrative in its own right, with more and more sponsors jumping on the bandwagon of what appears to be an ever-growing craze in the country. The Philly’s Games, which for the last 32 years have been hosted in Tembisa, are the biggest of the township games, thanks to a partnership with broadcast giant SuperSport as well as its quarter of a million rand prize money to the winners of the competition. In December last year, in one of the matches which were televised by SuperSport, outrage surfaced after a team by the name of Isithembiso ran rampant against Phanda Phanda with a 6-2 win on aggregate, booking their place in the last eight, but drew attention when in a bizarre moment, their players all fell to the ground, allowing their opponents to score a consolation goal. The stunt sparked a huge debate online, with some hailing it for being original, while others labeled it unprofessional and a disgrace to the local game. The founder of the tournament, Philly Mathebula, has hailed the tournament for its ability to produce players for the professional ranks, with a number of established players past and present having plied their trade in the competition.
