There has been a lot of hullaballoo, debate, consternation – you name it – after some legends were left out of the Kaizer Chiefs squad to face the Liverpool legends at FNB Stadium tomorrow afternoon.
It is such a big game, an opportunity to mingle with some of the renowned names in world football, and everyone who has worn the Chiefs jersey would understandably want to be a part of it, so you can imagine the disappointment and frustration of those left out.
Doctor Khumalo, who has many fingers pointed at him as the man who selected the squad, must be having one sleepless night too many these past few weeks. Every Jabu, Shakes and Pollen has been having a field day at poor 'Doc', hurling swearwords at him for the way he has picked the team. They allege their snub is due to a personal vendetta that Khumalo has against them. In a recent radio interview, Shakes Kungwane even went as far as saying, "I mean, he's had it in for me for a couple of years now."
Now, having observed the comments of all concerned, I was left with one question, which perhaps a lot of people may not bother to ask: What makes a legend? What constitutes one to say, 'I am a legend of this club'? Is it purely the number of years one has spent at that particular club or rather the contribution he has made? I am asking because opinion seems to be divided on whether Jabu Pule (now Mahlangu) is a Chiefs legend.
Everyone knows Jabu. He was a kid who played for the Amakhosi from 1999 to 2004 and, man, what talent he possessed. But, tell me something, is he a Chiefs legend? That's what I'd like us to look at.
As much as we acknowledge the massive talent that the Daveyton-born star had, his off-the-field antics were just as well-documented. His wayward ways no doubt tarnished not only his reputation but the image of Kaizer Chiefs and, in my humble opinion, he cannot be considered a Chiefs legend.
Most of the legends in that squad, who will rub shoulders against the likes of John Barnes, Robbie Fowler and Bruce Grobbelaar, are less talented than Jabu, but were more disciplined on and off the field, and respected the club's badge. They were always there when Chiefs needed their services. They never lost the respect fans had for them. For me that's what legends are – those who repay the club's faith in themselves by putting in the hours at training and in matches, and doing it to the very best of their abilities. What message would we be sending to the wannabe footballers if we say Jabu is a Chiefs legend?
He was a great player, like I mentioned, and I can put my head on the block and say we will never see any player like him in South African football anytime soon. But unfortunately, in my books, he falls short of being considered a legend.
Catch you on the rebound!
By: Lunga Adam
Follow Lunga on Twitter: @Lunga110
