Gripping MTN8 Action As Chiefs Let It Slip!
Guys, let us call a spade a spade. For once! Chiefs supporters are their own worst enemies! Let's not try to sugarcoat the truth but tell it the way it is. We played against Sundowns over the weekend and almost everyone was not happy with the way we played. Come on, guys, this was Sundowns that we played against and not some team who are always languishing at the bottom half of the table. Every Chiefs coach that gets hired has the pressure of trying to make sure that he is at least going to win us a trophy to erase all these tears of almost a decade of not winning anything. For once, let us forget about playing beautiful soccer – as long as we win games, it's alright. Had we won over the weekend, I wonder if there would have been this commotion from every Tom, Dick and Harry. I have heard fans already booing Potsane. I have heard people already saying nasty things about Petersen. Our goalkeeper has saved us from embarrassment in every game we have played so far this season. Now some people have already written off this new striker Gonzalez from the little that we have seen of him in a single game. Come on, guys, what happened to the Love and Peace we've always been known for?
Nafie Moloantoa, KwaThema
Coach Komphela once said, "Stats are like a bikini, they don't reveal everything." With all the ball possession and goal attempts that Sundowns had against Chiefs, they only had one goal to show for their efforts and the goal came deep into injury time. Yes, Amakhosi are a big team, but Ntseki and his technical team know their strength as well as the opponents'. A lot of us are saying the Soweto giants parked the bus, but if you look at the goal they scored, it wasn't from a counter-attack. Chiefs players were giving the ball away cheaply, which made Sundowns look too good. What's worrying me though is that Chiefs seem to play better in the second half and one of these days they might not be as lucky to stage a comeback. Having said that, I believe the tie is far from over and in the Amakhosi players I believe.
Malesela "Dance" Boya, Kanana, Hammanskraal
So far, so good for Chiefs after they surprised Sundowns once again. But a lapse of concentration in the dying minutes of the match let us down. I now believe the notion which says, "Le ka motsotswana wa bofelo modira dibe o a tle a tsene ka kgoro ya legodimo", which translates to: "Even in the last seconds, an evildoer may enter heaven." A classic example is how Sundowns and Pirates bounced back in the last minutes at the expense of Chiefs and Stellies. Football was the winner at the end and I am so glad that the sponsors were the great beneficiary. Big ups to the supporters who came out in numbers to support their favourite teams in both games. But if Chiefs can stop parking the bus, we can defeat Sundowns in the second leg. I see Chiefs and Pirates in the MTN8 final.
Boitumelo Vanrooyen, Schweizer-Reneke
My team Chiefs is coming back slowly but surely and they are playing good football, but my concern is the coach's game plan. He must give Mdantsane a rest for three games because he is not fit. If he keeps on fielding him, the player is going to lose focus. Mdantsane's form, or lack thereof, is affecting Potsane's game as well.
George Lishi, via email
The match between Chiefs and Sundowns was a tactical encounter where both teams were conservative and did not want to concede a goal on the day. Downs were dominating the proceedings from the first whistle with Chiefs applying counter-attacks. It was evident to see as Chiefs had no shots at goal in the entire first half, yet they were content to allow the opposition to have possession of the ball by sitting back. However, possession does not win games. On the hour mark, Amakhosi caught the Brazilians square at the back and capitalised to take the lead from a superb Castillo diving header. In the latter stages, the visitors continued with their patient build-ups, not panicking, trying to get into the home side's half. Ntseki's men were pinned back into their own half, so they defended too deep and allowed the Chloorkop-based side to go wide. Eventually, a cross from Mendieta met with the head of the advancing Mudau, who grabbed the equaliser to draw the match level on the day. With the second leg coming in Sundowns' backyard, Lucas Moripe Stadium, it is only half-time, with everything to play for in order to reach the final. Mokwena and Ntseki both have homework to do before the return leg.
Gavin Ryan, Emalahleni
It was an interesting game we witnessed on Saturday. I think Sundowns should have put that one to bed in the first half when they possessed the ball at 71%, against Chiefs' poor 29%. When Chiefs led 1-0 through Castillo, I thought that was the winner. Alas, Mudau had other ideas in additional time. It is indeed a fair result for both Bafana Ba Style and Abafana Bokuthula Noxolo. At least we all slept soundly, no unnecessary vuvuzelas blowing into the night.
Moses Mokoena, Ga-Mokwakwaila
This was a weekend of heartbreaking, very late goals. Stellies, Chiefs and Manchester United felt it. What irritates me is the tall-for-nothing Hlanti failed to deal with crosses and he made the same mistake against Bucs. Coincidentally, both crosses were from jersey number 15s, Ndlondlo and Mendieta, and were delivered from almost the same area. If Hlanti had challenged Mudau, the latter would not have gotten a free header. Both goals in the Chiefs v Sundowns game were well-taken headers. My biggest worry about Ntseki is this very bad tendency of wanting to start playing only in the second half, which is quite suicidal. Our keeper, Petersen, is always working overtime during the first half. Good teams will punish us in the first half and we might find it difficult to come back. The second leg against Sundowns in Pretoria will be very interesting. On a positive note, I am glad Castillo has fitted in like a hand in glove and is also scoring goals for us. This will definitely boost his confidence going forward.
Amos "Tiger" Tshukudu, Ga-Maria
We are still the same Chiefs of the past eight years that has won nothing. We don't impose our play on the opponents like a big team should. I don't mean that we should have been careless and throw the proverbial kitchen sink at Sundowns, but we give opponents a lot of respect and we are always dominated in terms of ball possession and chances created. We give away soft goals and fail to score enough. It's more about us failing to manage the game than the superiority of the opponents. It's clear the emphasis is to build from the back, but it needs players with sharp minds and tactical awareness. You can't be passing the ball to someone who is flat-footed as is always the case, hence we get dispossessed easily sometimes. A quick one-two eliminates opponents very quickly and sets up good opportunities. If not executed properly, you are bound to lose the ball in your own third risking to concede, especially playing against teams like Stellenbosch FC and Sundowns who press high. Ntseki should know this better since it's apparent that he has been doing it before Pep, according to Morena Ramoreboli. They should be watching a lot of Manchester City games to see how to build from the back. Coach, Hlanti will singlehandedly get you fired.
Lucky Khunou, Meriting
What a difference an away goal can make. I witnessed that on Saturday in the Chiefs v Sundowns game. Well, the latter have an away goal advantage thanks to Mudau's stoppage-time equaliser. In the first half, they were looking to hurt Amakhosi's defence, but the Soweto giants remained resolute. On the other hand, we had little ball possession and couldn't fashion chances. However, Zwane's injury was a big blow for the Brazilians. I wish "Mshishi" a speedy recovery. In the second half, our midfield maestro Castillo scored from a great assist by Du Preez. We could have held on to that lead if it wasn't for loss of concentration in the last minutes. What was Chiefs' game plan against Sundowns for the 90 minutes? Come second leg, Ka Bo Yellow will punish us if we are not careful. Pirates did themselves a huge favour when they scored two away goals against Stellenbosch FC. But as coach Riveiro said after the game, the battle is not over. As for the home side, they should avoid getting more red cards. The FIFA break will give teams and players the opportunity to recharge their batteries. Enjoy the break, ladies and gentlemen!
Anesipho Mabija, via email
This past weekend was very sweet because the MTN8 was hot. The game between Chiefs and Sundowns was so tense. My team looked scared of Sundowns and didn't play like they did in the previous two league games. I think they wanted to park the bus and maybe those were instructions from the coach. In the second leg, we have to attack and score goals, and not play to defend, otherwise we will be out. To Rhulani, please behave yourself and stop acting like a Grade R kid. What kind of celebration is that? You went to another coach's bench like you were proving a point or inciting him. That is not good sportsmanship at all.
Nyambeni Samson Khuphani, Tshiawelo Ext 5
I would like to compliment Amakhosi and hopefully fans can see that things are starting to come together now. Even though their concentration lapsed towards the end of the match against Sundowns and cost them, hopefully it's a mistake they can fix.
Thusego Babath Pitse, Dipompong
The Glamour Boys almost beat Sundowns in the MTN8 on Saturday, but they failed to hold on to their lead, thanks to Mendieta's cross, which was headed in by Mudau to level up the score and bring a moment of silence among the Chiefs fanbase. It was like they were at a cemetery mourning a loved one after we scored that equalising goal. Being resilient showed that we are the kings of South Africa. All we need to do now is to finish the job at home. We also need to learn from our mistakes from this game. The goal that was scored by Du Preez in the league game was exactly the same like the one scored by Castillo on Saturday. I'm a rugby player, but I don't think a defender should allow an attacker to be at his back during a set-piece or a corner kick. That's how we conceded that goal. First it was Mvala, and now Coetzee made the same mistake for Du Preez's goal. Defence coaches must do their job before we put the blame on our goalkeeper. Last but not least, Mokoena must practise setpieces accurately and stop wasting good opportunities from such situations.
Waya Maxazi, Glenharvie
Let's give credit where it is due, I think Chiefs players are starting to understand each other. Now I can smell what Ntseki is cooking. More teams will sweat blood to beat Amakhosi, they're going to need luck or they will end up calling their ancestor in order to get a victory against Chiefs. This Mmodi boy is a star, but watch out for these triplets (Mmodi, Du Preez and Potsane). They will be a nightmare to many teams this season.
Nghamula Rikhotso-Nkonwana, Mageva village
Chiefs let themselves down in the MTN8 first leg semi-final by playing second fiddle to Sundowns. They failed to compete with them in all departments, especially in the first half. Giving Sundowns so much respect is suicidal as was evident in the first half. As soon as they started playing, a goal was created. The way Chiefs play, it's like they are just honouring a fixture with no intention to win, defending all the way and failing to utilise the ball when in possession – and you call that a new philosophy? That's a joke. Ntseki and Co. don't learn. It was the same mistake in the first league encounter. Funnily enough, he mentioned it post-match and yet he goes on and commits the same mistake on Saturday. This new philosophy is just promoting mediocrity on the part of the players. They simply can't free themselves from opponents to create opportunities for themselves because the focus is on defending. Chiefs also lack midfield geniuses. Castillo is all by himself there as Maart and Mdantsane are completely failing dismally to command that area. They have two games after the FIFA break and it's an opportune time to fix this nonsense of defending 'air'. Teach your players to attack and with the ball glued on their feet. Fix your passing and spacing. This team once played beautiful football when they beat Maritzburg 3-0 last season. That was the last time I saw Chiefs play good football. It's so stressful watching this team play.
Hofmeyr Kwitshana, Pietermaritzburg
The cowardness of our coach cost us the game against Sundowns. When you try to absorb pressure and invite Downs into your own half with their attacking nous, you are only bringing disaster in your home. We should have introduced Shabalala and Saile to take the game to our opponents. The Brazilians had players who were flat in their defence, with only Mudau who was quick. But even he was a bit cautious as he was on a yellow and could have walked before that equaliser. Hlanti, dear brother, as a senior member of our squad, it's high time that you do a bit of introspection on your game. You are costing us big time and it's becoming a norm to you. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise for Chiefs as we will be forced to take the game to Sundowns in the second leg because, as things stand, they are leading us. That game between Pirates and Stellies was absolutely out of this world. The Stellies red card disturbed coach Barker's plans, even though they managed to score while they were a man down. Pity they could not hold on as they cracked at a later stage of the game. What an atmosphere in Athlone, with the stadium packed to the rafters.
Siyabonga Nkalambela, Delft
The game between Chiefs and Sundowns was watched by all who wanted to see the best from the two teams as well as from the match officials. Sad to say, coaches put pressure on match officials. Time and time again, when a player is down, Rhulani would run to the fourth official to complain. It's really boring and must make the referees' lives a living hell. Games like the Saturday one need a Victor Gomes kind of character. Even some of the decisions were not spot in. But oh, what a game! Stats never reveal everything, what matters is the goals. Keep it up, Soccer Laduma, once again!
Danny "Madeenzo" Moreo, Segakwana village, Moruleng
I hope all the Chiefs players were watching the game between Arsenal and Manchester United after their dismal performance against Sundowns in the MTN8 first leg semi-final. I also hope they saw how Rice commands that midfield for the Gunners. Amakhosi need to take the game to their opponents. So far, they have been dominated by all the teams they already played against this season. Coach Ntseki must encourage his players to attack more and not to give the opposition more time on the ball.
Neo Mahlangu, Tembisa
Even though Stellenbosch lost the MTN8 first leg semi-final, they will be a force to be reckoned with. Despite one of their players receiving a red card, their defence stood firm against the Pirates attack. Bucs have an away goal advantage, but anything can happen in the second leg. As for Manchester United, a lapse of concentration cost them against Arsenal after Rashford had put them ahead. It was heartbreaking watching them conceding goals in the dying minutes of the game. Martinelli gave Wan-Bissaka a hard time up front. The Gunners, like Sundowns, play entertaining and carpet football. Although Mudau scored a brilliant header, Hlanti was at fault as he didn't contest for the aerial ball. It's a mountain to climb for Chiefs in the second leg. Ntseki must also come with a better game plan and avoid this system of instructing his players to only take the game to the opposition in the second half, as it is not working at all.
Bernard "Bra Ben" Tshukudu, Ga-Maria
Mental Health A Serious Issue
Mpho Makola's interview was touching and laid bare the issue of mental health and how serious it is. I remember vividly in the Editor's Column a few months back, the issue was touched on, under the headline: "Players are human too". The Editor was at pains to explain that these players sometimes play under personal strife, yet supporters expect excellence at all times and in the absence of that excellence, they judge without trying to understand what is happening with the player. Reading Makola's interview clearly shows that something must be done to address this issue. In most companies, they have structures that deal with mental health of employees and I suppose that must happen with football clubs, because at the end of the day players are also human. I know Soccer Laduma is a paper of the people and, on that basis, I would like to suggest that a page be dedicated to issues of mental health, whereby a qualified professional can unpack such to ensure people and especially players are aware about how serious this is. I would like to appreciate you, "Bibo", for your bravery by coming out and speaking about this serious issue and I hope you will be okay, my brother. As for the housebreaking, sorry, my brother. The issue of crime in this country is pervasive and the powers that be must address it before we become a banana republic. Lastly, on a separate matter, I want to appreciate the interview of Ausi Busisiwe Sijora. Any woman who is pushing the envelope is welcome and appreciated. In fact, the coverage of women's sport must not only happen during Women's Month.
Thapelo Masiapata, Ramaroka village, Bolobedu
Let's Go Saudi, Mr Editor
Mr Editor, here is my plea to you. CR7 signed with Al-Nassr at the beginning of the year and little did we know he was opening the floodgates. Players like Sadio Mane, Robert Firmino, Neymar, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Fabinho and Aymeric Laporte, just to mention a few, all followed him to the Saudi Pro League. This is proof enough that our family newspaper, Soccer Laduma that is, needs to reserve a page or two as we want to know about the happenings of that league at every given moment. Also, I don't know what will it take for these games to be televised. Let me thank you in advance.
Siyabonga Nkalambela, Delft
Quick One-Two's
Just last week, Barker said he wished to see his team finishing a game against Chiefs without any of his players getting a red card. I wrote a while ago on MAKE YOUR POINT that the Stellenbosch FC coach must look at the discipline of his players to see whether the red cards were of their own doing or not. Moreso, he must also instil some kind of discipline on his charges. Players getting so many red cards says something about your man management skills. On another note, there was some discussion in our Soccer Laduma readers' WhatsApp group about the non-appearance of Chiefs players in the current Bafana squad. Personally, since Hugo Broos made those utterances about our football, true as they were, I don't even bother anymore about our national team. For me, this is made even worse by how people like Danny Jordaan are running our national football association. Lastly, Chiefs can beat Sundowns away to proceed to the final of the MTN8, provided that we play from the first minute and stop only playing in the second half. Ntseki must stop giving Ka Bo Yellow unnecessary respect. But I can't blame him because the 14 other DStv Premiership coaches are also doing the same. As much as Sundowns are there for the taking this season, teams play against them expecting to lose, which is bad for our football.
Mompati Panyaza Ndlovu, Lekubu village, Zeerust
As a South African, I have come to realise that we don't know or understand football. Chiefs goalkeeper Petersen is the best, but our national coach, Broos, ignored him and I'm surprised. I'm not an Amakhosi supporter, but if it wasn't for Petersen, they were going to lose all the games so far by a big margin. Pirates must poach him. What a talented goalkeeper!
See "Big Name" Ngobeni, via email
It's always good to see Sundowns supporters singing and chanting happy songs, and here's wishing other teams' supporters could do the same instead of booing their own players or technical team. They remind me of the days of Celtic supporters, especially when they sing, "Ka jeno go jewa batho ka lebaka la ma Kaizer Chiefs." I, however, still think someone ain't doing their job at the club. Recently, Seabi was handed Nassir's jersey number 28 and no one from the club cared to explain whether the boy is still with the team or not. I remember one of the games I attended last season, against SuperSport at Lucas Moripe Stadium, there was a group of Ethiopians wearing jersey number 28 with Nassir's name at the back, cheering every time the boy touched the ball. Why not update us on what jersey number was allocated to him this season? Unlike our rivals, we had to wait for two weeks into the season before we were able to get our new jersey at the shops. Why? Chiefs and Pirates unveiled their 2023/24 jerseys two weeks before the new season, but the same thing cannot be said about us. Finally, I think SAFA must call Hugo Broos into order. What he said about Chiefs players was unprofessional. He really stooped so low when asked why there's not a single Chiefs player in the squad. He could have just said, "Not all players can be selected at once", finish and klaar. This old man's disrespect of South African football is quite tangible.
Tente "The Brains" Mokoka, Sepharane
I told a friend of mine before pre-season started that Pirates should bring back Lepasa and not loan him. He will be my Mbappe just by scoring goals and his workload is second to none. Thank you, Dr. Irvin Khoza, for bringing this marvellous young man. I pray that he becomes the DStv Golden Boot winner come the end of the season. Lastly, Orlando Pirates, let's defend our MTN8, it's ours to take. Phakama Mz'omnyama!
Thokozane Dludlu, Emalahleni
Hard work pays off. Monyane has been doing a great job at Pirates, which is why he has been rewarded with a national team call-up. He was promoted to the senior team in the 2019/20 season under coach "Micho" and coach Rhulani, and had a great season, until the arrival of Zinnbauer. That was a season to forget, until he was rewarded with a place in the starting line-up in 2022. Congratulations to you, Monyane.
Makaung Potsiso Mabule, Mamone Ga-Mmela village
After six rounds of DStv Premiership games, Sundowns has a 100% record with 18 points, five clear at the top. All the other 15 teams have dropped points and continue to do so. By my own calculation and analysis, the Brazilians have already won it, the next games are just to wrap it up and prove to the doubters and aspirants that they will indeed get past the finishing line. The rest of the teams should compete for second spot and Top Eight spots. I think the PSL top brass must increase the prize money for runners-up so that it becomes exciting. I do not even want to watch a Sundowns game, I check the score only and will watch them when they annihilate Chiefs and Pirates, just for the thrill of it, so as not to die of boredom. The matter of Bucs using unusual colours for their jerseys does not auger well with most of us as the club's fans and supporters. Our colours are Black and White, just very simple and cute. We do not consistently win games with these red, lime and orange colours. We never win any trophy when we go for these unfamiliar colours. Our ancestors cannot recognise us and we end up losing games we would have won if we were using our white colour as an away kit. I wonder how other supporters see it. As for the question of the number 10 jersey at Pirates, I think it is about time Dr. Khoza and the board discuss with Jomo to bring it back. Let us honour Jomo with a very big game against Chiefs at FNB Stadium and hand him a framed replica jersey, during which he should officially hand over the jersey to one of our sensational youngsters, Relebogile Mofokeng. This boy is going to be a big star. The jersey will serve as a huge inspiration to him. He is a Pirates development product. Saleng has already made jersey number 14 a big number. I call on soccer lovers to comment on this, including Chiefs supporters with their rested jersey number 12.
Chrisiph Maodi, Observatory, Johannesburg
With the FIFA break in full swing, I'm gutted to see that Bafana Bafana are going to play against "mediocre" countries who do not give us competition and yet we want to compete against the best. When are we going to play against countries like Germany, England, Spain, Brazil? Without that mindset, we will always settle for less and celebrate mediocrity. I guess that's why our players do not have the ambitious mindset anymore to play for teams in leagues like England, Spain or Italy.
Jeffrey "Oarasib" Hartzenberg, Klapmuts, Stellenbosch
For so long, there has been a noise made about so-called legends not being given jobs by their former clubs. Current players and former stars need a reality check. Clubs don't owe them jobs or loyalty after their careers end. These players were and are on salaries that an ordinary worker can only dream of. They just spend it recklessly knowing very well that their careers can end at any time due to injuries, lack of form or being deemed surplus to requirements. When being advised how to make money work for them, they go on the defensive and cry jealousy or interference on how they live. Some agents or clubs organise life skills lessons for players, but those are getting wasted because players ignore the advice. All they know and love is to be all over the place chasing alcohol and splurging on big cars. It's not all former players that can be roped into team structures and those roped in aren't being a done a favour, they are there because clubs saw a need to utilise them. It's a not a pity party. If clubs can employ all ex-players, then they would go bankrupt.
Morongwa "Zwee" Mokgohloa, Ga-Mokgohloa
When former Manchester City left back Mendy was accused of rape and sexual assault in 2021, our hearts collectively ached, and condemnation was the name of the game. However, when he recently wept after being cleared of the rape counts, his tears proverbially soaked our dry hearts. Condemnation turned to empathy. Here is a player of worldwide renown, full of energy and stamina. To see him confined in prison was like seeing a high soaring eagle locked in a cage, being deprived of its capability and natural ability. Nonetheless, one is inspired to learn that he has resiliently begun to rebuild his life and career after joining French outfit FC Lorient. Like the mythical phoenix, he will rise from the ashes of shame and humiliation. Many thanks to Lorient for giving this seasoned star a lifeline after such a terrible ordeal. Like a snake shedding its skin, Mendy is renewing his career after the bitter past. It is a good lesson to athletes in similar situations that they must not wallow in disappointment. Rather, they should re-invent themselves for the benefit of their careers.
Batsirai Kativu, Johannesburg
Barcelona youngster Yamal is on fire. He is young, energetic and talented. The 16-year-old is the future. Looking at his performance, I think it's the reason they loaned Fati to Brighton in the English Premier League. Barcelona is known for identifying raw and young talent. I'm happy for the boy and wish he doesn't get injured, for the sake of his progress.
Terah Maqepula, Mount Fletcher
Rautmann pays tribute to Frank "Jingles" Pereira
It was with sadness that I learned of the passing of Frank "Jingles" Pereira. We played together at Powerlines in the old NFL after I was brought to South Africa by Pretoria Suburbs from Austria. We as Pretoria Suburbs had 11 Austrians in the team. My first game for them was against Vereeniging, with Pereira in the team, and we beat them 13-1, a record scoreline. I scored seven goals that day. We then both joined Powerlines, together with the late Walter da Silva, and were a deadly combination. I then faced Jingles with Moroka Swallows against Kaizer Chiefs where he played. Rest in peace, my friend. He was a great player, always funny. I met him a few times whilst I was coaching. A great loss. Rest well, Jingles.
Walter Rautmann, Former professional footballer and coach
