×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Face it, Chiefs were Gwendolyned by Downs

It would appear that Mamelodi Sundowns should not have done what they did - partying after they licked Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in a Castle Premiership battle.

It would appear that Mamelodi Sundowns should not have done what they did - partying after they licked Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in a Castle Premiership battle.

To make matters worse, their president, Patrice Motsepe, appeared to utter not so consoling words afterwards.

That's why perhaps the Amakhosi hierarchy is being coerced through muffled protests to fire coach Ernst "Mazinyo.Com" Middendorp.

And of course club boss Kaizer Motaung is saying no dice.

If you recall, this is what Sports Indaba also said in part on January 4: "That being the case, allow me to buck the form book by forecasting that the league title contest will be between Amakhosi and the Brazilians. Maybe, yes maybe, a late surge by Bucs should not be ruled out.

"Festive season babalaas or not, that's my view."

As to why some fans, especially from Chiefs, thought I actually meant it would be a stroll in the park for their team, bamboozles me.

Motsepe, in acknowledging the splendid performance by his team after outclassing and reducing Amakhosi to mere robots, said afterwards: "I'm a fan of township soccer."

The Brazilians' fans actually started partying when their boys strung endless passes, reminding many of their "shoe-shine" and "piano" days under the leadership of Zola Mahobe, whose team was then coached by Stanley "Screamer" Tshabalala.

That play also induced flashbacks of teams like Pimville United Brothers.

The "Skom Boys" used to terrorise teams like Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows soos vokol with that type of "township soccer".

You can therefore not fault Motsepe for getting excited, no matter what his coach, Gordon Igesund, would have us believe.

Before Saturday's exploits at Loftus, Sundowns had been inconsistent and sadly, uncharacteristically flat at times.

As for Amakhosi, it looks like the days of flashy players such as Zacharia "Maria Maria" Lamola, Johnny "Magwegwe" Mokoena and Patrick "Ace" Ntsoelengoe remain but a fading memory.

That being the case, still "Chincha Guluva" has a point when he says he cannot fire a coach every time his team loses.

Considering the supporters' feelings, and with Chiefs having lost five out of 20 matches, the club should by now be having their sixth coach this season. Crazy.

Notwithstanding my league title race predictions, our Premiership is very competitive and the sooner some people grasp that, the better.

Determination and the will to conquer has been the driving force behind teams like Silver Stars and Bidvest Wits who have been pacesetters for some time in the current season.

Likewise, efforts made by Moroka Swallows to discard the "has-been" tag, never mind that they are no longer as beautiful as they used to be, are there for all to see.

Again, it is no longer a joke that (at the rate things are unfolding) Chris Katongo will win the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot award, as his former coach Jomo Sono alluded earlier.

"Tsunami", before being scooped by Denmark's Brondby last month, had been sheer terror to both opposition goalkeepers and defenders alike in scoring 15 times.

His nearest rival Marcos Aguiar de Jesus of Wits has only scored eight goals so far.

Katongo's form, coupled with that of their midfield star Bamuza Sono, strongly suggested that Jomo Cosmos were also eyeing the league honours.

Now, if we agree that Laila Ali bliksemed Gwendolyn O'Niel, then it should be appropriate to conclude that the stylish Downs Gwendolyned Chiefs.

Love and peace be with you!

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.