‘Players Must Always Think About Their Future Not Fame’

The latest news on Sundowns topping continental standings and Kaizer Chiefs' high earners has invited some comments from Soccer Laduma's loyal readers. Take a look!

What's the story? 

Soccer Laduma's readers and commenters continue to react to the latest news. 

Stories on Mamelodi Sundowns topping the African club rankings and Kaizer Chiefs' latest headache with their highest earners has seen a flood of comments coming from SL's most avid readers.

Read: High Earners Issue Resurfaces At Chiefs?

Let's take a closer look at what they had to say...

Comments 

Kaizer Chiefs' supposed issue with big earners has resurfaced, with leaders Itumeleng Khune and Keagan Dolly's performances and availability proving to be major problems this season.

Dolly's drought in front of goal looks set to be extended to a year, as he's reportedly ruled out for up to six weeks with an ankle injury, meaning he could only return when the local football season resumes in February next year after the Africa Cup of Nations.

Dolly suffered a season-ending knee injury in April this year, only making a return in October this season. He managed five goals last season for Amakhosi and is scoreless this season, owing to his injury setbacks, with a year and a half left on his contract.

Another high earner at Chiefs, veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, has faced plenty of criticism for his performances this season, with Amakhosi losing the last nine out of 10 matches when Khune has played. He also faces an uncertain future at the club, following reports of him arriving to training under the influence of alcohol.

Here's how the readers reacted to the "High Earners Issue Resurfaces At Chiefs?" story:

"This is happening to all teams. Why should they pay you more money when you are always injured?" says happy2kola.

"If these shenanigans continue at Naturena, the coming generation will only hear: 'Once upon a time there was a Kaizer Chiefs'," says makausemakause53. 

"I think these high earners are following Kokota Piano's blueprint of how to milk millions while resting nicely," says Dominate-downs. 

"Include Erwin Saavedra, Nasir and Motupa on that list," replies NickNaks.

"With the spate of injuries at the club, it's shocking that the club is not reviewing the work of the physio, conditioning trainer and all of those entrusted with the physical well-being of the players. Ranga arrived at the club fit but all of a sudden, he was out injured.

"Any club worth its salt would have long reviewed the physical conditioning team. Chiefs once enlisted the services of Elsa Storm and had no issues with multiple injuries. That bodybuilder is causing serious damage to the players. Strange thing is most of these injuries occur in training. This club is regressing big time," says jb@103. 

"I don't think that's the problem because every football club has it's high earners, so why should it be happening at Kaizer Chiefs? Chiefs is a big team, and they must do what the other big teams are doing.

"So, paying big money is not a problem. Players must always think about their future not fame. They must be able to focus on their own future not the money that they get from their contract. What if Kaizer Chiefs terminates their contracts?" says TT Wa Lekhosi. 

"If they terminated the contract they will have to pay for the remaining months\years in full which will be costly, I think that body builder is pushing them too far because most of the injuries are reported after training," replies Dominate-down. 

Read: Downs Go Top Of African Rankings Despite Losing

Mamelodi Sundowns have climbed above Al Ahly, to lead the African club rankings, despite their recent defeat to TP Mazembe in the CAF Champions League.

The recent FootballDatabase rankings shows Sundowns at the summit with 1682 points, overcoming the Egyptian giants who are now four points behind in second place.

In terms of the Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates remain in 25th place with 1462 points, with Chiefs dropping two places to 59th spot. 

Globally, Masandawana find themselves in 62nd place, ahead of European sides Ajax Amsterdam, Rangers, Monaco and Villareal.

Here's how the readers reacted to the "Downs Go Top Of African Rankings Despite Losing" story:

"There are the so-called big teams of South Africa who have never tasted that position, and I think it will take them more than 10 years to reach that position. Currently, Sundowns is ranked 62nd in the world and the two 'big teams' are ranked number 421 and the number 709 in the world jooo!

"Anyway, I didn't mention any names and I only mentioned Sundowns," says bhekilekhuleni6. 

"You need a big project to overcome the ranking situation at Pirates and Chiefs. I mean, positions 421 and 709? But their performances over three years have been poor. Losing and drawing against very weak teams.

"You may buy the best players, but you need to build a solid machine to help the management, football directors and technical directors to achieve what Pitso achieved and what Rulani does under Swedish technical director Fleming Berg," says lombosngoepe. 

"Sundowns is the biggest team in the PSL," says Chupe deSAMBA.

"Enjoy it while it lasts. The wheels turn. When Chiefs was on top, Sundowns were nowhere to be seen. Weakening of the opposition is helping hey. All those players who wanted to come to Chiefs were blocked. Had it not been for that, we would be talking differently. Make a noise and enjoy, it's your turn," says Soccer Fanatic.

"Anyone who compares the yellow submarine to the village boys must argue with this article, stats never lie," says mashanyaselemela.

"The pain goes straight to Naturena," says Saavedra.

"When mentioning world rankings, the drunks still talk about Sowetans as a big club, hayi, I give up," says Manephil.

"World rankings, this is what our players must try hard to improve on. Also, have in mind each time they take to the field, Sundowns belong in the top 20 in the rankings, every game counts," says SkyKBY.

"Stuart Baxter is needed at this point in time," says Shikabala.

"This is long overdue," says afl.