In what has been a depressing few weeks for South African soccer, with major sponsors pulling out of Safa at a time when South African soccer's mother body needs all the support it can get, there has been a silver lining. There has been a ray of hope, and perhaps it's the light coming from a second rising star.
Orlando Pirates have secured their place in the final of the CAF Champions League, and whether you are a Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns or Bloemfontein Celtic fan, you have to applaud what this Bucs team has achieved.
In the past, the media, Soccer-Laduma included, has been very quick to berate our PSL clubs for failing to make an impact in continental competitions. We have been scathing at times in our attacks on our own teams and coaches when they have fallen at the first and second hurdles of big African competitions against no-name clubs. Now, however, is the time to lift these heroes on our shoulders and hoist them aloft for Africa to see. Orlando Pirates have made it to the big show, and not a single person can say they don't deserve it.
For Gordon Igesund it must be like Christmas when you consider that so many young South African footballers are holding their own against the continent's best, which must augur well for our national team. Senzo Meyiwa, Happy Jele, Rooi Mahamutsa, Thabo Matlaba, Oupa Manyisa, Andile Jali, Sifiso Myeni, Lehlogonolo Masalesa, Tlou Segolela, Daine Klate... just to name a few.
What's more, the last time Orlando Pirates won the CAF Champions League, South African soccer experienced a golden period, with Bafana going on to win the Afcon and our national team soaring up the world rankings. I pray that history is about to repeat itself.
Even more exciting is that Orlando Pirates are conquering Africa with a distinctly South African style of play. Attacking football, enterprising wing-play, attractive possession, team speed - all the ingredients that resonate with South African fans. Roger de Sa and his assistants Teboho Moloi and Eric Tinkler stand on the brink of making history when you consider that if they go all the way, they will be the first completely South African technical team to take a South African club side through a Champions League campaign from start to finish and beat the continent's best.
Now I know qualifying for the final is no guarantee of winning, and a massive task awaits Roger and his team. Standing between them and a second star is 'Africa's Club Side of the Century' - Al Ahly. But having seen what this Orlando Pirates team is capable of, having seen that no fear exists regardless of the opponent, that names mean nothing, that travelling into Africa does not affect this Orlando Pirates team, I have every reason to believe that Orlando Pirates will be crowned Champions of Africa.
And even if they fall short at the final hurdle, this club team has done what no other has managed to do for far too long. It has announced to Africa that South African soccer is on the up. In my opinion, by achieving what they have, Orlando Pirates have even outshone Bafana Bafana's efforts when it comes to establishing the kind of pedigree that demands respect from the continent. And for that, Soccer-Laduma salutes you.
With a Soweto derby looming, Kaizer Chiefs are no doubt watching their fierce rivals very closely and will have seen the excitement they have aroused among South African football supporters. They know that this derby has to be won to break the momentum of an Orlando Pirates' team that is gathering speed. If they don't, they risk losing more than just three points, they risk losing massive ground in the eternal battle for the honour of being known as the biggest club in South African football.
Shapa, Clint
Follow me on Twitter: @SoccaClint
