Soccerzela • Issue 6 • 2020

THE VOICE OF SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALL!

JUNE 2020 | ISSUE 06

SOCCERZELA BEING HUMAN

Rowan, the rising star

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

Understanding the challenges

THE ‘NEW NORMAL’ ZELA EXCLUSIVE!

WE CORNER ‘THE KNOXMAN’ WWW.SOCCERZELA.CO.ZA

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EDITOR’S NOTE

THE VOICE OF SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALL

ED’S note

www.soccerzela.co.za

Null and voided, forfeited, postponed and suspended - all words

Editor-in-Chief: Zaahid Nanabhay Tel: +27 61 495 1387 info@soccerzela.co.za

that brought the footballing world to a standstill. For a calendar

Publisher: Imraan Mahomed Tel: +27 11 883 4627 imraanm@isikhova.co.za Strategic Director: Jason Aarons Tel: +27 74 400 6677 jason@isikhova.co.za Operations Director: Thuli Majola Tel: +27 11 883 4627 thuli@isikhova.co.za Creative Director: Joanne Brook Tel: +27 11 883 4627 joanne@isikhova.co.za Sales Director: Jenny Justus Tel: +27 83 450 6052 jenny@isikhova.co.za Advertising sales: Lamees Mahomed Tel: +27 84 590 5123 lamees@isikhova.co.za

hardly ever affected by rain, snow or sunshine, the unthinkable was approaching faster than Thapelo Morena sprinting down the right-wing! March 2020 would bring about the unheard of, a total decimation of football across the globe.

While the rest of the footballing world looked on at Asia in shock on the 30th of January 2020 – when the Chinese Football Association announced all domestic football would be suspended with immediate effect due to the strange COVID-19 virus – not many would have imagined the global chaos that would ensue during the space of the next six weeks. This would be the very start of the suspension of football across the globe, from east to west, north to south. One after the other, league by league, football would become as insignificant as ever.

But, despite the global lockdown and the complete metamorphosis

Lori Zavattoni Tel: +27 83 229 7873 lori@isikhova.co.za

of football into something so distant, the beauty of the game

Ian Starnes Tel: +27 82 052 8428 ian@isikhova.co.za

importantly PASSION. Though the return may be slow and

Contributors: Dylan Bettencourt, Happy Masango, Sinethemba Mbatha, Pro Philani.

remains in its simplicity. 22 Players, a round ball and most unfamiliar, football will always deliver on the joy it always brings. I end off in the words of one Pep Guardiola, “We’ll come back from this stronger, better, kinder . . . and a little bit fatter. Stay inside, stay safe.”

En joy th e rid e!

Isikhova Media Address: 10th Floor, Metalbox, 25 Owl Street, Milpark, South Africa Tel: +27 11 883 4627 Fax: +27 11 783 2677 www.isikhova.co.za

Zaahid Nanabhay Editor-in-chief

The views and statements expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor or the publishers and neither the publishers nor Soccerzela accept responsibility for them. No person connected with the publication of this magazine will be liable for any loss or damage sustained as a result of action following any statements or opinions expressed herein. The same applies to all advertising. Soccerzela© 2020. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage retrieval system, without prior written permission from the publishers.

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ISSUE 6 JUNE 2020

CONTENTS

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contents OFF FIELD FOOTBALL IN SLUMBER

IN PERSPECTIVE THE PSL’S DEFINING DECADE

TALKING POINT WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

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03 09

TACTICAL TALK TINKLER’S RECIPE BEHIND REVIVED MARTIZBURG

14 17

NEXTGEN BIDVEST WITS ACADEMY’S ROWAN HUMAN

21 23

ZELA EXCLUSIVE WE CORNER ‘THE KNOXMAN’

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BEHIND

CLOSED DOORS

BY ZAAHID NANABHAY

By mid-February, Italy which would become one of the virus hotspots in the world, announced certain matches would be played behind closed doors in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus. From tthis moment, one could already tell something was bitterly wrong. Be that as it may, a new normal was

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fast approaching but not before we dealt with, and got over total suspension.

By the end of February 2020, football in Asia had pretty much come to a standstill, and like the trends of the virus itself, the continent’s plight was soon to be felt across the globe. At the same time in other parts of the world, behind-closed-doors and where no handshaking before games became the norm, football’s governing bodies were left with one choice and one choice only: suspend football across the board.

following a meeting between all 20 clubs.

03 March: Italian Super Cup fixtures postponed.

11 March: French and Spanish cup games postponed. Selected UEFA Champions League games postponed. Juventus’ Daniel Rugani tests positive for the virus. 5 Valencia players test positive.

Significant dates

12 March: CONMEBOL Qualifiers postponed. LaLiga suspended.

MLS suspended. 121 Juventus members placed into self-isolation.

Mikel Arteta tests positive. Manolo Gabbiadini tests positive. Eredivisie suspended. Serie A suspended.

02 March: The Swiss Football League is suspended until 23 March

13 March: AFCON Qualifiers postponed. UEFA suspends all

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football competitions. All English FA competitions suspended.

French Ligue 1 suspended. Arthur Boric (Bournemouth FC) tests positive. Calum Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea) tests positive.

14 March: Moroccan top flight suspended. Patrick Cutrone (Wolves) tests positive.

15 March: South America’s top leagues all suspended. Bundesliga suspended. Egyptian Premier League suspended.

16 March: Absa Premiership and GladAfrica Championship suspended. Multichoice diski Challenge forfeited. Ethiopian Premier League suspended.

17 March: 2020 CHAN canceled.

2020 EUROS postponed to 2021.

18 March: 15 Deportivo Alaves members test positive in Spain.

19 March: Turkish Super League suspended. Nigeria Professional League suspended.

21 March: Paulo Dybala (Juventus) tests positive. Paulo Maldini (ex AC Milan) tests positive. Marouane Fellaini (Shandong Luneng) tests positive.

07 May: Ben Motshwari (Orlando Pirates) tests positive.

African football guide through COVID-19: South Africa The Premier Soccer League, The South African Football Association and

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government have been engaging over the future of the 2019/20 local football campaign. However, clear indications have been given stating that football will NOT return during lockdown Level 3. There are talks of completing the season at a designated bio-zone venue which will house all 32 Premier Soccer League clubs – at the time of publishing there is yet to be any official word.

Angola After a meeting with the top tier clubs, the Angolan Football Federation also made a decision on its leagues and different from Kenya, they decided to cancel the season with five rounds of matches left to play.

Petro de Luanda were leading the top tier with 54 points with Primero de Agosto second. A decision was reached that the two clubs will represent Angola in the Total CAF Champions League.

For the Confederations Cup representative, a decision will be reached at a later date, depending on finances and the coronavirus situation.

Date of decision: 30 April 2020 Burkina Faso The Emergency Committee of the Burkina Faso Football Federation made the decision to cancel the top tier season with six rounds of matches left to play.

There will be no champions or relegation in the top tier, but with the second tier already completed, the

top two teams will be promoted. This means the next season of the top tier league will have 18 teams At the same time, Rahimo FC has been selected to represent Burkina Faso in the Total CAF Champions League while Salitas FC will play in the CAF Confederation Cup. Date of decision: 4 May 2020 Burundi Burundi’s Primus Ligue became the first African league to re-start as the world of sports begins to slowly pick up the ruins from the stoppages due to by the COVID-19 pandemic. The league restarted on Thursday with a match between Musongati and Athletico Olympic.

The match, staged at the Stade Ingoma in Gitaga ended in a 3-3 draw with full attendance including the president of the Burundi Football Federation. The result saw Musongati move to 54 points, just one behind leaders Le Messager Ngozi.

This weekend, action will shift to the Cup fixtures. The competition is currently in the semi-final stage.

The final is scheduled for the 13th of June. League matches will resume on the 30th of this month with the final round scheduled for June 28.

Date of resumption: 21 May 2020 Cameroon Cameroon became the latest African country to void its football season due to the

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pandemic. A meeting between the Federation (FECAFOOT) and the respective clubs came to a consensus that it would be impossible to complete the campaign.

In accordance with discussions held, PWD Bamenda were named champions of the Elite One League and will represent Cameroon in the 2020-21 Total CAF Champions League.

At the same time, Yaounde’s Louves Minproff Club were named champions of the Cameroon Women’s Football Division One League.

Date of decision: 12 May 2020 Congo The Congo Football Federation has named AS Otoho as champions of the 201920 season after cancelling all football due to the coronavirus.

The Executive Committee made the decision after a meeting to assess the situation and it was unanimously agreed it would be difficult to resume sporting activities soon.

Otoho who were leading the standings with a 14-point gap – with six matches remaining before the season was halted – will play in the Total CAF Champions League while second placed Diables Noirs will play in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Football Federation has called an end to all its football leagues due to the sweeping effects of the COVID-19 pandemic TP Mazembe who led the standings by the time the league was suspended, were named champions and will represent DR Congo in the 2020-21 Total CAF Champions League alongside AS Vita who were second, five points behind.

Meanwhile, AS Maniema Union and DC Motema Pembe who were third and fourth respectively in the standings will represent the Central African country in the Total CAF Confederation Cup. Date of decision: 14 May 2020 Ethiopia The Executive Committee of the Ethiopia Football Federation, in consultation with government organs and the league administrators, announced the cancellation of all tiers of football in the eastern Africa country with no champions declared, promoted or relegated either.

Date of decision: 5 May 2020

The league was halted early March as the coronavirus pandemic began to gather pace with Fasil Kenema top of the standings with 30 points. Mekelle Enderta was second with 28 points, same as third placed St George.

DR Congo The Executive Committee of the Democratic Republic of Congo

Consequently, EFF has announced that Ethiopia will not have a representative at next season’s continental club championship.

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Date of decision: 5 May 2020 Guinea The President of the Guinean Professional Football League (LGFP) General Mathurin Bangoura, announced that the top two tiers of Guinean football will be unable to be completed because of the pandemic.

With uncertainty as to when the pandemic will be over, Bangoura said a unanimous decision was reached to cancel the season with no champions, promotion or relegation.

The league reached the halfway point with Horoya leading the standings with 29 points, four ahead of second placed Wakirya. The Federation is set to make a decision on the representatives for CAF Competitions.

Date of Decision: 30 April 2020 Kenya The Football Kenya Federation has decided to end football across all its seven tiers of the men’s game as well as the two tiers of the Women Leagues. Under a force majeure clause in its rules, the champions of each league will be decided by the standings at mid-season.

Gor Mahia are crowned the Premier League champions for a 19th time with Chemelil Sugar and Sony Sugar relegated, while Nairobi City Stars are champions of the second tier and promoted to the Premier League alongside Bidco United.

The two tiers of the women’s leagues

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have consequently been cancelled as only one round of matches into the new season were played.

Date of decision: 30 April 2020 Liberia The Liberia Football Association also announced cancellation of all its football leagues with no champions, relegation or promotion after a meeting of the Executive Committee.

With nine rounds of matches left, Mighty Barolle were leading the standings with 23 points, one ahead of BEA Mountain and two ahead of third placed MC Breweries. The league was still open with only four points separating the leaders and the eighth placed team.

Meanwhile the Liberia FA will consult on a play-off between the top four to determine representatives at next season’s CAF Competitions.

Date of decision: 5 May 2020 Mauritius Mauritius became the first African country to end its football season due to the pandemic after an initial indefinite postponement on March 19.

representatives in next year’s CAF Clubs competitions.

Date of decision: 6 April 2020 Rwanda Army side APR have been crowned Rwanda Premier League champions for a record 18th time after the Rwandese Football federation (FERWAFA) called an end to the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision was reached upon by the FERWAFA Executive Committee in accordance to Article 33 of the FERWAFA Statutes and Article 28 of the FERWAFA Internal rules and regulations.

FERWAFA handed APR the title based on the standings after Match Day 23. Subsequently, results from Match Day 24 have been cancelled as not all teams had played round 24 games. APR led the standings with 57 points.

Date of Decision: 22 May 2020

South Sudan South Sudan has become the latest CAF Member Association to call an end to its season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Apart from calling an end the Premier League, the SSFA also cancelled all football activities in the country with there being no promotion or relegation across all leagues. Thus South Sudan will not have a team representing it at the 2020-21 Total CAF Champions League.

However, Alrabita Juba FC have earned themselves a ticket to the CAF Confederations Cup having won the Cup tournament completed before football was called off due to the virus.

Date of decision: May 20, 2020 Tanzania In Tanzania, the government has announced sports activities in the

The Football Association – through General Secretary Didier Gnanapragassa – communicated to the clubs the decision to wind down the season countrywide over uncertainties as to when the pandemic will be over.

A decision is yet to be made on its

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country will be allowed to resume from June 1.

The Tanzanian league managers are thus preparing for resumption after stoppage since March 17.

With 10 rounds of matches left, giants Simba SC were leading the Ligi Kuu Bara standings with 71 points, a healthy 17 ahead of second placed Azam FC. Just six wins out of the remaining 10 matches will confirm them as champions.

Expected date of resumption: 1 June 2020 Togo Togo became the latest African country to announce an end to its national championships due to the COVID-19 situation. The Togolese Football Federation formally announced the end to the 2019-20 season, with football having been suspended over the last two months.

The Togolese Federation has been holding consultations with government authorities over the last few weeks to see if it was safe to return to action. The decision was finally reached to cease all football activities permanently.

Consequently, the Kozah Sports Association (ASKO) have been named champions of the first division as they led the standings with 39 points, six ahead of second placed Unisport when football was halted with 20 rounds of matches played. There were six match days remaining before the season ended.

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Date of decision: 26 May 2020 Tunisia The Tunisian Football Federation has announced plans to allow Ligue One teams to resume individual training sessions from June 4. Group sessions can start in a maximum of 15 days as plans to get the season back on track commenced.

with Paris Saint-Germain being crowned champions.

Germany The Bundesliga restarted on May 16 with games played without fans and with a strict health protocol in place.

The German Cup semi-finals will be played on June 9 and 10, with the final scheduled for July 4.

The Tunisian football league has been suspended since mid-March 2020 due to COVID-19. According to the federation, they are considering a return to competitions in August to complete the current campaign.

Italy Italy’s sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora said the country’s top-flight league has been given the go-ahead to restart on June 20.

Meanwhile, the Ligue Two season has been called off – with the exception of teams who were up for promotion and relegation – with a play-off tournament set to be organized for that purpose.

The resumption of the league will be preceded by Italian Cup semi-final and final matches from June 12-17

European Football Guide Through COVID-19 England The Premier League season will restart on June 17 with games between Aston Villa and Sheffield United, and Manchester City and Arsenal.

Spain La Liga will resume on June 11 with the local derby between Sevilla and Real Betis after the league were given permission to resume by government’s department for sport. Ù

A full fixture list will be played on the weekend of June 19-21. All games will be played without fans in attendance. Games will be played daily with the hope of completing the season before August.

France The season was called off by the government

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TACTICAL TALK

BY ZAAHID NANABHAY

The Peter Mokaba Stadium. It’s the last day of the 2018-19 season and Maritzburg United need a win against Baroka FC to guarantee their survival in the South African top flight. A loss for Baroka would mean they were now themselves in danger of facing relegation while some six hours away in Bethlehem, Free State Stars are fighting for their lives. Free State Stars, fellow relegation candidates, are up against the mighty Mamelodi Sundowns who in turn need a victory to win the title on the final day of the season. It’s a day of absolute chaos.

Maritzburg take the lead in Polokwane in the 20th minute through Fortune Makaringe to secure their safety for the time being; Maritzburg’s fortune means Baroka are now in the relegation zone, just ahead of Ea La Koto on

TINKLER’S RECIPE

REVIVED MARIT goal difference. There’s some big moves atop the standings as well with Orlando Pirates shooting to the top for the time courtesy of Stars’ stubbornness in Bethlehem. It was in the 41st minute that all hell broke loose. Phakamani Mahlambi gives Mamelodi Sundowns the lead against Free State Stars and ultimately, the league title, while Stars now need to score two unanswered goals to keep their status alive – this proved to be too big a hurdle for them. Baroka also get an equalizer in Polokwane

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E BEHIND

TZBURG before full-time leaving Maritzburg in the playoff spot (15th place).

In short, Free State Stars are relegated and Maritzburg United – after having spent majority of the season rotting at the bottom of the table – have now pulled off a robbery of note to keep their top flights hopes alive by qualifying for the promotional-relegation playoffs.

We’ll have to take it even further back to begin analysing Maritzburg’s remarkable revival.

It’s the 29th of January 2019,

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Maritzburg United languish rock bottom of the Absa Premiership table and by some margin. The Kwa-Zulu Natal side have earned just 11 points after 19 games of football. They’ve already sacked coach Fadlu Davids who failed to replicate the promise he showed in 2017-18; while his replacement, the experienced Muhsin Ertrugral, lasted just 5 games in charge – in which he lost all 5 games. Without sugarcoating it, Maritzburg United

MARITZBURG UNITED HAVE ARGUABLY BEEN THE SURPRISE PACKAGE OF THE 2019/20 CAMPAIGN.

are in tatters. With the hope of salvaging their season, United announce the arrival of one Eric Tinkler who himself was returning to management after an extremely underwhelming spell at Chippa United. Tinkler’s mandate was clear from club boss Farouk Kadodia: “Save the club from relegation.”

Tinkler’s arrival saw Maritzburg United, who prior to his arrival won just once in nineteen games (YES, 1 victory in 19 games!) – win 5 out of their remaining 10 games of the season. All this before successfully winning all 4 of their playoff games resulting in them maintaining their Absa Premiership status for the 2019/20 campaign.

Maritzburg United have arguably been the surprise package of the 2019/20 campaign. Yes, they ended

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up building some serious momentum under Tinkler at the end of last season, but after once again losing key players, not many would’ve expected them to be serious top 4 contenders with 6 games to go.

The Perfect Match While avoiding relegation was the sole aim for Tinkler, not many would have imagined what a match made in heaven the former Bafana Bafana player and The Team of Choice would become. Tinkler’s gritty leadership style has seen many under-performing United players come to the fore. Despite losing some of his prized possessions who helped him avoid relegation last season, Tinkler’s rather peculiar choice of reinforcements hit the

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ground running and in some fashion it must be said.

The Harry Gwala Fortress Maritzburg United have not lost at the Harry Gwala Stadium on a Friday night since 2017. Their overall form at home this season has seen them lose just twice. Not only do they bring their A-game at the Harry Gwala, but visiting teams also have to deal with arguably one of the most rallied crowds the Absa Premiership has seen this season. It’s no question that most teams dread the journey to Pietermaritzburg.

Tactical talk From a tactical perspective, Tinkler operates using a very defined style of

football. It is not one which the football purists would salivate over. However in a quick space of time and with the right tools in his shed, Tinkler’s men have mastered their counter-attacking based games. He consistently sets his sides up in a narrow and compact formation. Tinkler strangles teams in his own half with a double pivot central midfield in front of a back 5 in defence.

Sharp-shifting, high-rising defensive line So on the one hand, they’re tight and compact and afford you little to no space in front of them – given their superior numbers game on defence – while on the other hand, they’re aerially sound starting from goalkeeper Richard Ofori.

Ofori is an absolute beast in the

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air and when he’s not called into action – depending on who Tinkler fields – Rushine De Reuk, Nazier Allie, Kwando Mngonyama, Pogiso Sanoka or Siyanda Xulu are there to win anything thrown behind their defensive line. One of the perks of Tinkler’s set up is that all of his defenders are capable of playing out from the back. They’re also more than capable of playing anywhere in the back-line which I’ll further elaborate on below: The wing-back One of Tinkler’s most effective tools this season has been his wing-backs. Mxolisi Kunene, Daniel Morgan, Kwando Mngonyama, Bandile Shandu and Tebogo Tlolane have been crucial to Tinkler’s counter-attacking game. On attacking transition, Maritzburg use both their speedy wingers and wingbacks to race up the field and in behind opposition defences; while on defensive transition where Tinkler’s wing-back is caught out of position up the field of play, United have the ability to easily shift to a back four where either the RCB can shift to RB

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and like dominoes, the rest of the defence falls into place.

The double pivot Keagan Buchanan and Miguel Timm formed part of the double pivot for much of the beginning of the season however the return of Phumlani Ntshangase has seen him partner up with Buchanan. In essence, Tinkler’s double pivot are defensively frail. However, given the defence behind them, their key contributions are their agility. They cover space quickly, force interceptions and are incredibly quick to get Maritzburg’s counter going.

Tinkler’s Arsenal After losing arguably two of his standout performers in the form of Fortune Makaringe and Siphesihle

MARITZBURG UNITED HAVE NOT LOST AT THE HARRY GWALA STADIUM ON A FRIDAY NIGHT SINCE 2017.

Ndlovu to Orlando Pirates – while Kenyan international Allan Kateregga, Yanick Zakri and Brian Onyango also departed from the club amongst others – Tinkler faced the familiar Maritzburg United conundrum: losing key players, rebuilding and once again restarting the process.

Amazingly, if you looked at Tinkler’s recruits at the start of the season, many would term them as panic buys. Without any disrespect to them, Maritzburg’s new faces were simply surplus players at other top flight teams. Despite calls for a massive overhaul after last season’s disaster class, Tinkler kept many familiar faces around who have repaid his faith in them in full.

Richard Ofori One of Tinkler’s prize possessions, despite the extremely underwhelming 2018/19 campaign, the Ghanaian international was arguably one of last season’s top performers.

He carried his form through and has been immense for Maritzburg this season. A total of 10 sheets in 24 games for Big Rich who forms

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the base of an extremely solid yet interesting defensive line.

Rushine De Reuck Hands down the surprise package of the season. The 24-year-old has risen above expectations to form a critical part of Tinkler’s defence.

Some may even argue he’s done enough to earn to earn a national team call-up – however only time will tell. More impressive was De Reuck’s integration into first team football. During a very difficult phase at the club last season, Tinkler stuck with the young and inexperienced De Reuck and boy is he reaping the fruits today. His aerial prowess, game intelligence, superb tackling abilities and his ability to play out from the back has made him one of the most sought after players in South Africa.

Daylon Claasen As far as surplus to requirements goes, Claasen featured for just 227 Absa Premiership minutes for Bidvest Wits in the 2018/19 campaign before being snapped up by Tinkler. The 30-year-old has definitely been one of Tinkler’s prized possessions this season having made 30 appearances for The Team of Choice already. He’s been given freedom to play ahead of his fellow central midfielders and has been able to maximise his contributions on attack. He already has 5 goals and 2 assists so far this campaign.

Kwando Mngonyama The former Bidvest Wits defender joined Tinkler from Cape Town City

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ONE OF THE PERKS OF TINKLER’S SET UP IS ALL OF HIS DEFENDERS ARE CAPABLE OF PLAYING OUT FROM THE BACK, THEY’RE ALSO MORE THAN CAPABLE OF PLAYING ANYWHERE IN THE BACK-LINE. where he was a serious ‘bit-by’ player under Benni McCarthy. Mngonyama has been fielded out of his natural center-back position with Tinkler preferring to use him at right-back, where he’s seen consistently putting a serious shift and down the right-flank.

Thabiso Kutumela Kutumela has finally hit the heights many expected of him almost a decade ago. He’s been directly involved in 10 goals for Maritzburg United this season. Being a perfect counter-attacking winger, Tinkler has used his pace, skill and x-factor abilities to perfection. Kutumela’s form has actually seen him earn a national team call-up!

Judas Moseamedi Who can forget his Cup heroics!

Judas has been doing the hard yards up top for Tinkler whenever given the chance. He has 7 goals so far this season, 3 coming in the Telkom Knockout semi-final and final rounds. He chases after EVERYTHING and is often the only player doing the chasing in the opposition half, a perfect cog in Tinkler’s machine. Ù

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IN PERSPECTIVE

INTO THE 21ST CENTURY

THE PSL NUMBERS GAME

BY DYLAN BETTENCOURT The 10-year span saw four different winners with SuperSport United being the dominate figure over three-year periods which saw the team from Pretoria claim consecutive Premier Soccer League (PSL) trophies.

There is no doubt the might of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) strengthened over the decade from 2000 to 2010: the figures prove that with the number of points needed to either win the title or simply stay in the league, dropped consistently season by season as competition got tougher and tougher.

THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE MIGHT OF THE PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE (PSL) STRENGTHENED OVER THE DECADE FROM 2000 TO 2010

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The 1999/2000 season had records broken: Mamelodi Sundows clinched their third consecutive title, which at the time had not been done before.

They managed to pick up 75 points throughout the season, 11 points ahead of their closest rivals in second place. AmaZulu and Mother City F.C both found themselves in the relegation spots as to who would ultimately be sent to the National First Division (NFD).

However, the Durban outfit amassed an impressive 36 points and managed to keep their place in the top tier after winning the play-off battle. Mother City only managing ten points and two wins in the entire season, faced the drop with no chance of remaining in the league.

The Soweto Giants made up second and third place while Thembisa Classic – now known more commonly as Maritzburg United –making up the top half of the table with 44 points.

The following season (2001/02) saw a new winner in Santos who managed to clinch the league with 64 points, finishing ahead of SuperSport United. AmaZulu – after saving themselves the season before – could not repeat that effort and were relegated along with Thembisa Classic.

In a surprising turn of events, favourites Kaizer Chiefs finished in 9th place, just securing a top half finish with Jomo Cosmos impressing with a 4th place finish.

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Orlando Pirates claimed the title of best in the league by a 6-point margin in the 2002/03 campaign, finishing with 61 points ahead of SuperSport United’s 55 points. The two teams had an identical record, with the Buccaneers managing only two more wins which gave them the crown.

In an unprecedented turn of events, Qwa Qwa Stars and Ria Stars F.C were bought out during the duration of the league, which led to both teams finishing 15th and 16th being relegated, these teams were unfortunately Umtata Bush Bucks and the African Wanderers with 31 and 18 points respectively.

AS THE YEARS PROGRESSED, WE SAW NEW WINNERS, SURPRISE RELEGATIONS AND REAL CUT-THROAT ENTERTAINMENT ALL-ROUND. Mamelodi Sundowns found themselves wandering in a lowly 10th place after a less than impressive league season. Jomo Cosmos (Ezenkosi) with 40 points managed to finish in the top half of the table for a second consecutive season.

The 2003/04 season would be the first ever season in the history of the league to contain only 16

teams in its entirety. The AmaKhosi walking away as victors in this historic season with 63 points. Black Leopards had an impressive run, leaving them in 8th place.

The battle to stay in the league went down to the final day as Dynamos barely secured their spot in the league, as they finished two points of Hellenic and Zulu Royals (renamed from AmaZulu) who both finished on 22 equal points, in what was an exciting finish to the season.

The 2004-05 season saw the two Soweto giants battling it out for the title, with Kaizer Chiefs edging Orlando Pirates by two points. 62 points was all it took for the AmaKhosi to claim bragging rights over their bitter rivals and claim their second championship win in two years, losing only two games in the process.

Manning Rangers and Wits University were relegated to the NFD with 29 and 27 points respectively, Rangers missing out on a stay in the topflight by a mere two-points.

There were little surprises with the top half of the table, Bloemfontein Celtic taking eighth place with 36 points. Three points ahead of Golden Arrows in ninth.

The 2005-06 season showcased the rise of a newcomer, Pretoria’s very own Mamelodi Sundowns who upset the two major outfits in South African football. It took 57 points for the Brazilians to claim the title of the best team in the league, three points over Orlando Pirates in

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IN PERSPECTIVE

second place. Santos finished in 8th place, only eight points above the relegation zone to finish in the top half of the table.

Chiefs and Orlando Pirates ending off a disappointing season in sixth and eight respectively; a season to forget for the Soweto giants.

The relegation battle was immense with two points separating the bottom four teams, Bush Bucks and Free State Stars falling victim to the drop into the NFD. The Bucks (30 points) being relegated due to an inferior goal difference really emphasises the intense fight that was to stay in the PSL.

Black Leopards with 29 points and Jomo Comos, who finished in the top half of the table in the season before, rounded off the bottom of the table with Cosmos only able to win two games all season, ending on 22 points.

The 2006-07 season is the real outlier compared the other five seasons. Sundowns blew the league away with 61 points – claiming their second title in two years by way of a 10-point margin. Amazulu were sent to the NFD on goal difference, 28 points was simply not enough to keep them where they wanted to be. Maritzburg United ended a really difficult season with a lowly 21 points, winning only four matches throughout the season.

Silver Stars did an incredible job to finish behind the dominant Mamelodi Sundowns, while Bloemfontein Celtic finished off the top half the table. Kaizer Chiefs and their fans would have been disappointed to finish on the wrong side of the table, finishing 9th.

The 2007-08 season sprung up a lot of unforeseen surprises. It was SuperSport United with 54 points who were crowned champions after 30 games. Previous season winners Sundowns finished fourth with Kaizer

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The following season (2008-09) saw an amazing finish with SuperSport United retaining their title on goal difference over the Buccaneers with both outfits finishing on 55 points.

6 More goals were all it took for the boys from Pretoria to retain the title of PSL champions. Thanda Royal Zulu and Bay United were unable to keep their spot in the top tier with The Lions succumbing to the drop via goal difference, bettered by Bloemfontein Celtic who finished in 14th position.

Amazulu were unlikely top half finishers with the Durban outfit ending in 8th position. Golden Arrows outdid their expectations, finishing in 5th place, only three points behind the AmaKhosi who finished 3rd.

Gavin Hunt led his SuperSport United team (57 points) to a third consecutive title in the PSL in the 2009/10 season, doing a superb job by defeating The Brazilians by one point. The relegation battle was not as intense as previous seasons with Mpumalanga Black Aces and the Ezenkosi failing to

stay alive in the league with 26 and 24 points, respectively. A five-point margin separated Black Aces from safety and Cosmos trailing them by two points.

The battle for a spot in the top half of the table was rounded out

by Moroka Swallows with the two teams above them in Ajax Cape Town and Bloemfontein Celtic, finishing on the same points (42) in a hotly contested battle for places at the top.

On average between these 10 seasons, it took 60 points to be crowned as the winner of the topflight in South African football.

29 is the average amount of points needed to keep your place in the PSL’s first division and 40 points on average to cement your place in the top half of the table.

The real winners of these 10 seasons were Gavin Hunt and SuperSport United who came away with three consecutive title wins with some edge of the seat finishes.

Jomo Cosmos along with AmaZulu were both relegated on two separate occasions during the 10-year period.

The competitiveness was showcased in how close each battle on the log ended on with several seasons deciding winners and losers on goal difference. As the years progressed, we saw new winners, surprise relegations and real cutthroat entertainment all-round. Ù

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THE NEXTGEN

BIDVEST WITS ACADEMY RISING STAR

ROWAN HUMAN

BY HAPPY MASANGO At just 18 years, 11 months old, Bidvest Wits youngster Rowan Human became the third youngest player to play in the Absa Premiership this season after debuting against Stellenbosch in a 2 - 0 victory. The name Human has been on the lips of avid South African youth football followers for some time – after the holding midfielder created waves in junior football since the age of 14 and in the 2019/20 campaign which finally saw him earn his big break.

Born and bred in Westbury, a community ridden in crime, drugs and gangsterism – but with no shortage in footballing talent as Steven Pienaar can attest – Human has come through the highly successful Bidvest Wits academy and is now ready to shine in the big leagues. The Soccerzela team caught up with him and chatted about his academy life and most importantly, his transition into professional football.

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Q: When did your passion for football begin? Was it always football for you?

A: It began when I was four years old. I played in one of the junior leagues in Westbury in under-6 and from there I fell in love with football.

In primary school I played different sports. I played cricket, I played rugby, I even played water polo and hockey but I guess the love for football just kept me there and that was what I really wanted to do.

Q: How did you end up joining the Bidvest Wits academy?

A: I ended up joining the Bidvest Wits academy in under-13 in 2014.

Before that I was playing for the Wits University juniors team in the age group above under-13. The under-13 Bidvest Wits academy coach called me to come play for his team, so then I joined Bidvest Wits and have been at the club ever since.

Q: Talk me through your academy experience? Did you board at the academy? What were some of the positives and negatives of academy life?

A: My academy experience? It’s been good. There’s also been bad times but we always look at the good things. I was a bit of a problem child in my peak teenage years at around 16 and 17. I lost my head a bit but luckily I had coach Dillon Sheppard who told me I should choose what it is I want and if it’s football, I should start respecting the game. I boarded at the academy when I turned 16. The

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NEXTGEN FEATURE

positives I can think of is that you live with different boys who come out of different homes and different provinces – you see what they want in life and it motivates you. Boys leave home at very young ages and come stay there to try make a living out of football. So that’s a positive I took away from the academy. I don’t think there’s any negatives apart from missing home. There’s a good atmosphere and brotherhood and it’s a good environment to be in.

Q: You’ve now made the step up from academy football to senior football. What would you say are some of the challenges you’ve faced during this transition?

A: When I was 16 and 17, I used to be a problem to coach Dillon Sheppard. As time went on, I realised that I can’t be shooting the people giving me the opportunity, in the foot. Coach Dillon took me from under-15 and made me play under-17 and he’s always been that extra leg for me. He kept me going and motivated me. He told me stories about players who

WE HAVE A GREAT BUNCH OF SENIOR PLAYERS WHO ALL MOTIVATE US YOUNGSTERS AND TRY TO MAKE US BETTER PLAYERS.

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want to act rebellious but whose careers don’t actually work out. He’s been my pillar, has helped me go through all of these challenges. My challenge was that I wnated to be involved in the township. Together with friends I’d skip training to do this and make excuses – coach Dillon guided me through that phase – he’d tell me the life I craved would not pay my bills and would get me into trouble.

Q: What is it like working with coach Gavin Hunt?

A: I think it’s a good environment, he’s a great coach. He’s a winner and I think that’s what he instills in all of his players. He keeps the standards high. He’s a great man, knows what he wants and will do anything to get that out of you. He’s a coach who will push you and you just have to be strong and keep going. When he yells and shouts at you, he doesn’t want to put you down but rather knows you can do better.

Q: Who from the senior group of Wits players would you say helped you the most this season and how did they help you?

A: I think Brighton Mhlongo. I remember the first week training with the first team: the academy boys left in December for a break and I didn’t have transport. Brighton gave me a lift. He told me to keep pushing and never get distracted.

Brighton has definitely been that senior player who has been there for me. We have our talks in the car and when I have a bad session,

he tells me about my attitude and what I need to improve. We have a great bunch of senior players who all motivate us youngsters and try to make us better players. If they see we aren’t training at our best, they don’t shout at you, but rather come up to you nicely and tell you: ‘You need to be more hungry and need to adapt to the new level of football as it’s a big step up’.

Q: What are the long term goals for Rowan Human?

A: To do my best. I would like to play in Europe one day in one of the top five leagues. Represent and win the African Cup of Nations with and for Bafana Bafana. That’s what I dream of and what I’d like to achieve. I want to win titles and become a great player. I also want to give back to my community and the less fortunate create more opportunities for kids like me and to be an inspiration for them.

Q: Your favourite South African footballer?

A: Themba Zwane. He’s a great player. He reminds me a lot of Teko Modise. He’s skilful, he’s creative, he has vision, he’s a good passer of the ball and he’s just a complete midfielder.

Q: Your favourite International footballer?

A: I would say Messi but I like Ivan Rakitic more because of the way he plays his style of football. He’s a midfielder, as am I, so I try to watch him as much as I can. He’s a key contributor to his team. Ù

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TALKING POINT

BY SINETHEMBA MBATHA Female footballers often face more challenges compared to their male counterparts. From inequality in wages to lack of support from football boards and constantly being slammed and made fun of by individuals who are not supporters of the women’s game.

This has been going on for years, and these are just some of the challenges female footballers have to constantly fight.

For many years women national teams across the world have been fighting for equality, with many claiming that they are underpaid compared to men. The reigning world champions, the United States women’s football team is one of the leading teams in the fight for equality, however their fight recently suffered a huge blow after their bid for equal pay was dismissed by a court. After this announcement, I went through heartbreaking responses from mostly men who ridiculed women’s football stating: “they do not deserve equal pay because they will never be equal to men”.

Did you know that a women’s monthly menstrual cycle is a natural female occurance – which cannot be controlled – has a negative impact on their sporting performance?

As a woman writing this piece, I can assure you that a woman’s body experiences many hormonal fluctuations leading up to, and during their menstrual cycle. This may differ from woman to woman.

However, some of the common

EFFECTS OF MENSTRUAL CY

OF FEMALE F symptoms include, but not limited to: cramps, bloating, headache and a decrease in strength for most.

In a recent study conducted by Dr. Laura Forest and Professor Chris Easton of the University of the West of Scotland in which female

rugby players participated in on menstruation; it was discovered that indeed symptoms during the menstrual cycle does negatively affect sporting performance. The study further touched on the negative psychological effects linked to female

The above statement is proof for women there are many challenges they have to overcome in order to be recognised in the same way as their male counterparts. Some of these challenges include nature which they cannot control. This is one of many articles aimed at highlighting different challenges women footballers face but do not converse about them.

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TALKING POINT

pain.” She further added that young women she coaches experience the same symptoms and it definitely affects their performances negatively.

They experience mood swings, severe pain – which is a challenge because they have to stay away from training – and heavy flow which leads to low self-esteem and insecurities.

YCLE ON THE PERFORMANCE

FOOTBALLERS athletes’ menstrual cycles. This included constant worry about heavy bleeding, clothes to wear during training, distraction, lack of focus on the task at hand and concentration which affects their productivity and overall performance.

I took it upon myself to conduct a similar study on female footballers in South Africa. I discovered the negative effects of menstruation locally are similar to most female athletes across the globe. Some footballers stated they even have to take a break from their regular exercise routines during that time of the month due to abdominal pain becoming unbearable. Others did state they were forced to push through the pain and fatigue in order to avoid not being part of the team selection.

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DURING MY DAYS AS A PLAYER I STRUGGLED WITH SEVERE CRAMPS AND I HAD TO FIND WAYS TO DEAL WITH IT.

Speaking to one of the local women’s team coaches – who herself used to be a player – tshe had this to say about the impact of period pains on her players: “period pains are the worst. During my days as a player I used to struggle with severe cramps and I had to find ways to deal with it.

Medication helped but on days when I did not have I went running and did tough workouts to try and ease the

“We had a player who struggled with severe cycles to a point of being unable to walk. We had to eventually grant her permission to train alone to do coordination and sharp actions, where her concentration was not lengthy.”

One local footballer commented: “Menstruation cycle ruins everything for a player especially if it occurs during a time when you have prepared yourself and are ready to give it your all in training and during games. It tends to control you physically and emotionally. The pains become unbearable and medication has its own side effects which have a negative impact on performance. It is sad that this is nature and we can’t do much about it”.

This is just one of the challenges that many had no idea about. I hope it sheds some light on this unpopular, often ignored and highly pertinent topic to help people understand what women footballers deal with, rise above it all and perform. What the women’s game needs now more than anything, is support in their fight for recognition and equal treatment instead of discrimination because of gender. Ù

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ZELA EXCLUSIVE

BY ZAAHID NANABHAY

THE KNOXMAN ZIMBABWE’S SILENT KILLER TAKES THE PSL BY STORM SOCCERZELA.CO.ZA

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ZELA EXCLUSIVE

Wilfred Mugeyi, Gilbert Mushangazike, Knowledge Musona, Benjani Mwaruwari, Peter Ndlovu, Khama Billiat – the list of Zimbabwean strikers who bossed the Absa Premiership is long.

However there’s one key name which is quietly being engraved on it and that’s Knox Mutizwa.

Fact check: no player has scored more goals than ‘The Knoxman’ in the Absa Premiership over the last three seasons. The Soccerzela team sat down with the former Zimbabwean Premier League golden boot winner, to gain insight into his incredible consistency in finding the back of the net.

After coming through the ranks at Zimbabwean giants Highlanders, Mutizwa bagged the Top Goal Scorer award in the Zimbabwean top flight at the tender age of 21, after scoring 14 goals in just 17 appearances. He was soon snapped up by Bidvest Wits in South Africa in 2016. However, things did not work out as planned and Mutizwa was shipped off to Golden Arrows on loan during the January transfer window later that season; and as the saying goes, ‘the rest was history’.

Q: Tell me a bit about your journey into football, when did it all begin?

A: I started paying football when I was small. I can remember as early back as Grade 4 and 5. I’d win small trophies in primary school football for my school. From then I realised I could really play. My parents would

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get invited to my school to collect my trophies for being the best player. So yes, at a very young age.

It was in high school where I decided: in the morning we’d go to school and in the afternoon we’d have training that was during my time at the Highlanders development team. I was then promoted to the first team.

Q: How did you end up coming to South Africa from Highlanders?

Were you scouted by Wits?

A: First of all, I came to South Africa to play for Bidvest Wits because Wits scouted me from Highlanders.

I remember back then SuperSport 9 would televise our Zimbabwean league games. I was the top scorer, so Wits called me for trials – they were impressed with me and signed. Unfortunately I didn’t get the opportunity to actually play at Wits

and they sent me on loan to Arrows for 6-months. I managed to score (I think) 5 goals in 6 months and that’s when Arrows decided to sign me permanently.

Q: How would you rate the standard of football in South Africa compared to that of Zimbabwe? What were some of the key challenges you faced when you just moved here?

A: I think the standard of South African football is very good especially pace wise and everything, is far better than Zimbabwe.

To tell you the truth, when I arrived here it was tough because I was used to training in the afternoon.

Here, we were training in the mornings and everything and everyone is so professional here. So to adapt and get used to that level of professionalism was tough for me,

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but thank God I managed to adapt and I’m now used to it all. But back then it was tough.

Q: You’ve been consistently scoring goals for Arrows: 16/17 - 5 goals 17/18 - 7 goals 18/19 - 11 goals 19/20 - 11 goals* These numbers are highly impressive for the PSL. What is the secret behind your consistency?

A: I’ll tell you! When I left Zimbabwe I won the Golden Boot. My drive is to win the Golden Boot in whichever league I play in. So every season I tell myself: “Eish! Last year I didn’t achieve my goal so this season I must work hard.” This keeps building me to improve. I will only be happy when I win the Golden Boot, so everyday I push myself to reach that level.

Q: You’ve represented Zimbabwe on a handful of occasions which included the 2018 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers. However despite traveling to Egypt for AFCON 2019, you were named on the bench for Zimbabwe’s 3 group stage matches. Were you disappointed by not being given a chance to get some minutes? What was your Egyptian AFCON 2019 experience like in general?

A: Eish, you know when we were playing in the AFCON Qualifiers, I played in some big games. So when we went to the Egypt I really wanted to play but sometimes in life if you don’t get the opportunity.

It’s a learning curve for you so even

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though I never played and was on the bench, I was still happy to be there. Obviously I was a little disappointed because I didn’t get a chance at all but that’s why I want to improve – get another opportunity to play at the AFCON in the future.

Q: What is it like working with coach Steve Komphela? In your opinion, how has coach Steve impacted your game and life?

A: To tell you my brother, Coach Steve Komphela is an excellent coach. Ever since he came to Golden Arrows he’s

HARD WORK AND LISTENING IS KEY changed everything both on and off the field. The way he coaches, the way he encourages people and his level of professionalism can change you as a player. I can say he’s one of the best coaches on the continent and in the PSL. He’s a good coach.

Q: What are some of your long term goals in football?

A: My long term goals are playing overseas. I’ve always seen myself winning the PSL trophy or something big. You know, it’s every boy’s dream when he plays football to want to win trophies and also play overseas at some point.

Q: Who is the toughest defender to face in the PSL in your opinion and why?

A: Eish it’s quite difficult to choose one. I can say Thulani Hlatshwayo is hard to face, he doesn’t give you breathing space and is always marking you! Daniel Cardoso also –whenever we play Kaizer Chiefs he’ll ensure you don’t breathe! Even in training, Nkosinathi Sibisi is very difficult to beat.

Q: Have you been approached by other PSL teams or overseas teams given your consistently high level of form?

A: They speak to my agent. I just want to play and not get involved in that aspect. So, I don’t know anything about this.

Q: If you could offer young football hopefuls one piece of advice, what would it be?

A: I can tell the young footballers if they want to be a professional they must start to be disciplined at a very early age. Hard work and listening is key. Take a lesson from all coaches even if you think it’s unnecessary.

Q: How do you think the season should end given the Coronavirus pandemic?

A: I know we’re in a difficult period where football doesn’t matter right now, but my wish is to finish the season.

Q: How many goals were you targeting at the beginning of the season?

A: My target was 16 to 19 goals. It’s still possible. There’s 6 or 7 games to go, I think I can atleast get close. Ù

ISSUE 6 JUNE 2020

CONTENTS

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BLAST FROM THE PAST

UNITED BY FOOTBALL,

DIVIDED BY BUSINESS

BY PRO PHILANI

In the history of South African football, no tournament brought as much joy and excitement to fans as the one-day season curtain raiser tournament – the Iwisa Charity spectacular or just; the Charity Cup did. Where teams now struggle to fill up stadiums across the country,

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I reminisce over what once was a regular, sold-out affair which generated interest from one-and-all.

These meant that no interracial

The one day football extravaganza began in 1986 and was played in small stadiums across the country.

South African football was affected by racial segregations due to the apartheid regime in the early 1950s.

uniting the apartheid state through

football matches could take place.

In 1971 we saw the first attempt at sport. Though South Africa was banned by FIFA to compete on the global stage, the national football league was more than enough for locals. Orlando Pirates were the

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first league champions, AmaZulu followed in 1972, Pirates again in 1973, newly formed Chiefs in 1974, while Pirates once again trumped in 1975.

It was in 1985 when the organization of football moved from NPSL to NSL. We saw the first championship of the then new era Durban Bush Bucks. In 1986 the first spectacular event took place with Chiefs winning the maiden edition. As years went by, the tournament earned more coverage in print media and on radio stations.

It was in the 1990s when wider audiences – through television – began to witness the spectacle.

League champion of 1989, Chiefs, defeated arch rival Pirates 4-2 in the 1990 final and the following year (1991) saw defending league champions (1990) Sundowns, winning it 1-0 against Chiefs.

The Iwisa Maize Meal Charity Spectacular was like an exhibition for football. It was the PRO’s stage to showcase their poetic style of football. No one came close to Kaizer Chiefs’ PRO at that time, Louis Tshakoane. The man had an art for selling out a match. He had words of brilliance to sell even an average player to masses. Tshakoane’s competition was none other than the Golden One of Mamelodi Sundowns, Alex Shakoane. These gentlemen dominated airwaves.

They dominated print media. It was always about Goldfinger vs Sprinter on the touch line.

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In the stands it was not about the professionals but rather it was about fans from the four chosen teams coming together to celebrate football peacefully. You see, South Africa had a history of violence. Political violence was still fresh in people’s minds and lives. The new 1990s South African era was a new lease of life and hope.

Nelson Mandela was coming home.

There were the talks of the unbanning of the ANC. South Africa was alive with possibilities. What was the other way of uniting supporters other than through football? It was all about the fans chanting songs of joy, watching their stars, new signings, tactics and new bragging points.

Talks of reinstating South Africa were initiated back in 1991 and the country’s leading administrators from different leagues had come together with SAFA to plead with FIFA to reinstate South Africa back onto the international football map.

Domestically, the national league was getting stronger and more recognised. Every season would

begin with the Iwisa Maize Meal Charity Spectacular at the newly built stadium in Nasrec – FNB Stadium. The newly built FNB was going to be the new home of the tournament – it’s still the biggest stadium in the country. For the organizers, it was an easy decision to make because it was a suitable venue to accommodate the masses who’d come out and enjoy the full-day football extravaganza. The charity spectacular would give fans an opportunity to vote for the team of their choice. Four teams with the most votes would be pitted against each other in semi-finals, with a final being played later in the day. The tournament was also an indication of what to expect in the coming season. If your team didn’t make it, it was a bitter pill to swallow.

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates were regular features at the tournament because of their huge following. Teams like Mamelodi Sundowns, AmaZulu, Bloemfontein Celtic, and Moroka Swallows would

TALKS OF REINSTATING SOUTH AFRICA WERE INITIATED BACK IN 1991, THE COUNTRY’S LEADING ADMINISTRATORS FROM DIFFERENT LEAGUES HAD COME TOGETHER WITH SAFA TO PLEAD WITH FIFA TO REINSTATE SOUTH AFRICA BACK ONTO THE INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL MAP.

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battle for the last tow spots. If their team didn’t make it, fans needed to wait for BP Top 8, an 8-team tournament, to know who their favorite club had signed.

A day for players It used to be a day to remember or forget for players. In this tournament, players had an opportunity to make names for themselves.

It was in such tournaments where commentators would give direction to lasting nicknames of these players. The crowd would cheer a player’s name if he’s in possession like ‘Aaaaaaaaaaace’ or ‘Shaaaaaaaaakes!’ Such players were crowd favorites. Irrespective of the club you followed, the cheers were stronger than the boos, and it’d become a nightmare for such players if they were cause for embarrassment.

Another notable embarrassment would be if the club was knocked out in the first match of the day.

This meant no bragging rights and less coverage in print media. Print media was an extremely powerful tool for clubs in the 1990s. The first match would kickoff as early as 8:30am. It didn’t have the privilege of a wider audience on the stands because around that time, people would only be making their way to the stadium from different provinces. The second match would kickoff at 11:00am. For fans who were not there, the closest you’d ever be to this extravaganza would be through radio or glued to

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a TV, from the first match in the morning till the 15:00pm kickoff for the final. Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates won the Iwisa Maize Meal/ Charity spectacular four times, from 1990-1999. The other two titles were won once by Mamelodi Sundowns and Moroka Swallows.

existence, but there is no doubt that football fans in South Africa would give anything for it to return.

In the past, politics of the day divided us as a nation; then came a unifying tournament which united fans at large in a common goal.

Today, we are divided by different kind of politics – the business side of the game.

THE CHARITY CUP WAS MORE ABOUT PEOPLE THAN ABOUT MONEY. IT ALWAYS PUT THE PEOPLE FIRST. IT WAS A FAMILY DAY. A DAY WHERE THE WHOLE FAMILY WOULD ENJOY WATCHING THEIR CLUBS BATTLE FOR BRAGGING RIGHTS AND PRESTIGE.

Then came along two new concepts.

The first being the Carling Black Label Cup which sees Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs face off annually, this was followed by the introduction of the Ultra Shell Helix Cup. These two two-team tournaments have created ‘classism’ in football. Only three clubs are part of them, the so-called ‘Big 3’.

The total exclusion of the rest of the league’s clubs seem to inform onlookers that other clubs are not worthy of such a spectacle. A divisive business related concept which has no interest in developing football, creating an atmosphere of togetherness among friends, colleagues, communities and families in the country if you ask me.

Football fans countrywide would definitely appreciate it if this preseason tournament would return. It means clubs get to generate more interest from the public and improve their image off the field. The Charity Cup was more about people than about money. It always put the people first. It was a family day. A day where the whole family would enjoy watching their clubs battle for bragging rights and prestige.

The tournament is no longer in

It’s definitely clear that bigger clubs are the centre of attraction for business and have done wonders to be where they are today. However The Charity Spectacular afforded all clubs a chance to participate, be marketed, and compete on an equal scale. The return of the Charity Cup is an extravaganza all South African football fans and clubs would love to be involved in. Ù

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

MOSADIE UNITED A PASSIONATE APPEAL

BY JASON AARONS

WE WANT TO EMPOWER THEM TO RISE ABOVE THEIR CHALLENGES, LEARN ABOUT TEAMWORK, SPORTSMANSHIP AND HAVE A LOT OF FUN.

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Children are our greatest asset.

Sadly, they are often the most vulnerable. Their futures are limited by neglect, hunger and violence.

Without school and access to community sports facilities there is little to occupy their day and keep them out of trouble.

In Tafelsig Mitchells Plain, Cape Town the volunteers at Mosadie Gives Back (https://www.mosadie

givesback.org/) have hired a soccer coach and announced the launch of a brand new soccer team: Mosadie United! Sound familiar?

While the young men practice soccer, the young ladies constantly work on and fine-tune their drum majorette skills and aspirations; the competition is fierce. “We want more for the children in our community. We want to empower them to rise above their

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challenges, learn about teamwork, sportsmanship and have a lot of fun,” says Shanaaz Allie, founder of Mosadie Gives Back.

The Mosadie United coach, Ryan Poggenpoel lives in the neighborhood and has had his own struggles and hardships. He enjoyed playing soccer in school and his dream is to become a role model to these young men and inspire them to become the best soccer players they can be.

Ryan understands that soccer is more than a game; it is a way to keep the children safe, away from distractions like drugs, gangs and boredom.

We agree with Nelson Mandela when he said that “Sport has the power to inspire and unite people.” This is our hope for Mosadie United and the Tafelsig community.

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The team is excited for their first big game and are appealing to the soccer community to help them with their soccer kit. Donations of socks, shin pads, shorts, jerseys and soccer balls would be greatly appreciated.

Please contact mosadiegivesback@ gmail.com to be provided with a convenient drop-off point. You can also call Kim Prissman on 082 551 2104.

This weekend’s game takes place on Sunday June 28, 2020 at noon on the Swartklip Field in Tafelsig, when the team plays against Junction AFC. Ù

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THE VOICE OF SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALL!

SOCCERZELA To advertise in our next issue contat: IAN Tel: 082 052 8428 or e-mail: ian@isikhova.co.za LAMEES Tel: 084 590 5123 or e-mail: lamees@isikhova.co.za LORI Tel: 083 229 7873 or e-mail: lori@isikhova.co.za