Tshabalala Beats Klopp To Dethrone Wenger

 

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola

Contrary to a popular opinion that Safa National Women's League (SNWL) is a bit easy for a formidable Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies side, Sundowns star Morifi Chuene, argues that the public tends to read too much in results than performances.

In her interview with ShakingInk, the speedy attacker backs her arguments. Chuene says despite Sundowns dominance in the SNWL, the league is not a walk in the park. "It was not easy at all. We had to grind for results most of the time because at one point we trailed 2-0, (We)

had to come back and win the game 3-2. We beat Richmond ladies 7-0 at home but away we only won by a one goal margin (1-0)." Said Chuene.

Without stretching the truth Chuene can't be red-carded for believing Sundowns 'invincibles' campaign doesn't necessarily mean the league is not competitive enough. In 2003/04 season Arsene Wenger led Arsenal to the famous unbeaten streak, a feat that is still talked about today. The English Premier League competitiveness wasn't questioned when The Gunners of London completed the infamous 'Invincibles' nearly two decades ago. 

The English Premier League Invincible' record holder, Wenger' reaction to Liverpool' first defeat of the season to Watford says a lot about the value of the unbeaten run. Wenger had his toes curled and fingers crossed when Jurgen Klopp attempted to bring his long standing unbeaten record to an end, but what came to an end was the French' sleepless nights. Thanks to Watford. Former Arsenal manager was delighted to see his record still stands after 17-years.  "It was a form of satisfaction" Wenger.

Sundowns mentor Jerry Tshabalala forged his way into history books. He is to Sundowns, what Wenger is to Arsenal. Tshabalala still has a chance to defend the title he won with ablom. It will never be an ease task as his side remains a team to beat. 'Matrapa' as Chuene is affectionately known, anticipates a bit tougher season than the previous one. "Next season it'll be much competitive. But We had a long pre season than the usual six to eight weeks of pre season period which gave the technical team enough time to prepare us physically and mentally because we had to adapt to traveling, camping and playing in different provinces which requires one to be mentally prepared. And losing players due to injuries and some of our players going overseas affected us." 

An old adage has it that: There is always a room for improvement. Matrapa says the league can still be polished to be sellable and attract more buyers. "We need a marketing department dedicated only to the league to rebrand, market and sell the league to potential sponsorship. Sponsors invest in a project/product that will bring them returns that's what the league needs to sell to the potential sponsors," added Chuene.

Every house needs a woman. Sundowns and Bloemfontein Celtic are the only sides from the Premier Soccer League with women representation in the SNWL. Kaizer Chiefs marketing manager, Jessica Motaung has been flirting with the idea of establishing a women's side that will coexist alongside their male counterparts Chuene says it will be great if other PSL teams join Sundowns and Celtic but will remain a no brainer to have teams in the SNWL for the sake of it. "It will be beneficial to South African women football to have PSL teams to adopt similar approach because they already have structures in place. However they shouldn't be forced because we don't want to see teams struggling and treated like 'poor cousins' because the clubs were forced to have women teams. They should do it voluntarily." Chuene emphasized.

Chuene says like their male counterparts the reigning SNWL champions are addicted to success. "In the last seven years the team has been consistent in terms of winning tournaments and the league (three sasol league champions in 2013 and 2015. Now the 2019/2020 SNWL champions. The team has about 90% of players playing /played in the national team for a number of years  so it shows that we have the capacity to compete at the highest level," 

"Women were utterly powerless in the past, used as mere pawns in the patriarchal system over which they had no control. Though, through a snail pace women are allowed into real and formal authority. The best thing AS Vita Club has ever done in of their existent is the appointment of Bestin Kazadi as the club's first president. The renowned advocate, Kazadi, has since joined Fatma Samoura in football queendom. Samoura holds the most elite post in Zurich as FIFA Secretary. Chuene appreciates the slow increase in number of women in administration but expect a to see a rapid increase. "we need more women in the administrations/executive level l, women have been overlooked for a long time in football and that needs to change." Emphasised Matrapa.

South African women football is rich in talent. Banyana Banyana internationals have been signing new deals in their quest to secure their futures abroad. One of the outstanding moves is that of Jemaine Seopasenwe switching from French giants, Leece, to Bragga in Portugal. Banyana number ten will be plying her trade in the Portuguese women's league as in the next summer. Matrapa is happy to see her compatriots getting recognition and harbours a strong sense of believe that 'Nasri' will crack it in Portugal. "Fantastic player with wealth of experience and and I'm sure she will bring her international experience to the national Team and share it with the rest of ladies. It's a good move not only for her but for South African football." Said Chuene

@Lamola_Herold