A clash of personalities has once again rocked the tectonic plates of South African football. It was recently announced that Bafana Bafana and FC Twente midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo will be hanging up his international boots until "circumstances change". This comes after some public tension between the player and coach Shakes Mashaba. Is this a calamity or an overrated non-event for SA football?
Opinions seem split on the issue. Some supporters think the matter is slightly overhyped, and that Mokotjo never really had a place in the team anyway as there was already quality there. Soccer Laduma website user Pato is one of them.
"This boy has divided the nation for nothing... ," he said.
"His position is occupied by Jali, Kekana."
Most supporters, however, feel that this is just another link in the chain fastening Mashaba's ego to the national team. Everyone seems worried as to where the limit of his unparalleled control of the national squad is.
"Mashaba should have given him a run. You can't expect to call someone from Holland and don't use him. This madala is unfair." – Okuh
"That is bra Shakes" – King-4mza
"Heartbroken by your decision, but then life goes on without you (Mokotjo)." – Shabza26
"First it was (Kermit) Erasmus, now Mokotjo." – Andrew_Rathapane
It seems there is no right answer to this issue. On the one hand, it is a dangerous thing to have a coach who makes enemies of our overseas-based players as they are a rare luxury for Mzansi. On the other hand, is a player entitled to a start just because he has travelled all the way from Holland?
Do you think it is a good thing that Mashaba is showing who is in charge? Or will his "arrogance" result in too many key players not being keen to play for Bafana again?
