ShakingInk

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola The willing buyer-willing seller principle is not good for the auctioning of professional football club status on two grounds. Firstly it nullifies the competitiveness of the league, secondly rebranding erases the heritage and history of the selling club. It is hard to fathom how a series of football clubs massacre led by business people is being normalised. The gratuitous killings of the clubs in South Africa is scary, it is worse than a horror movie. These predators are not discriminatory though, they'll feast on the old and the new alike. The oldies, Mpumalanga Black Aces and Bidvest Wits were slaughtered, the newly born Maccabi also suffered the same fate. When their bank balances overflow they don't show no mercy. Everyone can fall prey to these loaded predators. But a season after one team has been swallowed up, peace returns in the playing field like nothing has happened. Can we flatten the curve? Related Story : Bought, Renamed And Relocat...

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola The narration of Kaizer Chiefs benefitting from referee blunders, has been one of the dominating lines all season long. With the current campaign suspended due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, will The Glamour Boys benefit should the season not resume? It is becoming an international trend to ask for leagues to declare teams at the top as champions, with Chiefs currently in the driving seat locally. Also Read: Taking Sundowns To Infinity And Beyond Can the PSL board of governors give Chiefs the 'big ears' with seven games to go? Declaring the season null and void will also hit many in the pockets. Supporters have spent their hard-earned pennies on tickets and taxi fares to stadiums. Sponsors have coughed out millions to keep the league running. The only beneficiaries in this scenario will be Mamelodi Sundowns. Downs will retain the Absa Premiership title if the season is declared null and void. With all these uncertainties at play, the ...

Mamelodi Sundowns mentor, Pitso Mosimane, celebrating his seventh year anniversary since his appointment in 2012. By Malose Wa Ga Lamola Mamelodi Sundowns president Patrice Motsepe is still cherishing the moment he picked up his phone and called Pitso Mosimane to succeed former Downs coach Johan Neeskens at Chloorkop. Read: She Is The Man The business magnate, along with Mosimane, put together a number of winning team and has invested millions into the squad in terms of player recruitments and club infrastructures. Motsepe lured celebrated former players cum-coaches to Chloorkop, with the likes of ex-Barcelona greats Neeskens and Hristo Stoichkov trying their luck at Chloorkop but with nothing to show at the club. Also Read: Coaches Not Benefiting From Referees When Mosimane came to Sundowns in December 2012, the Brazilians trophy cabinet was seemingly dry but Mosimane turned fortunes around soon thereafter. 'Jingles' is not a coach who will be sitting on t...

Kaizer Chiefs marketing manager, Jessica Motaung, showing of her prowess on the golf course. By Malose Wa Ga Lamola Fresh from a CAF course in Egypt, Kaizer Chiefs Marketing manager Jessica Motaung, is set to establish a women’s side that will coexist along the male side. Read: Can Norman Survive The Chop? As a veteran scribe noted, women footballers are less dramatic com- pared to their male counterparts. We were subjected to drama kings for quite some time in the PSL and the country nearly forgot we have female footballers. Ladies walk like real gentlemen when they take to the field. They are more physical than wrestlers, no handbags thrown, no weird hairstyles but sharply-cut mohawks. Also Read: Coaches Bite The Dust With PSL stars spending more time before their mirrors, flocking to their hairdressers on a weekly basis, SA needs women with balls. Jessica is a woman with balls. Just bring those balls to the training base in Naturena and grant other women an opportu...

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola The appointment of Norman Mapeza as the head coach of Chippa United rose enough eyebrows but his sacking will not. With a trigger happy chairman at the helm of the club, it is advisable to Mapeza, not to unpack his bags. His sacking will come before the stamp authorising his signature dries up. The Chilly Boys barely uses indeliable inks for coach signatures. Perhaps the one South Africans used in the national elections earlier this year is the prefered one in Port Elizabeth. Read: Why Coaches Are Getting Fired? Mapeza is coming in with an ample of experience but that won't be enough if he doesn't hit the results are not on his side. Football is a results orientated business but at Chippa even victories can't save a coach's head from the chop. Mpengesi doesn't care about stability in his team, he just wants consistancy. Former Zimbabwean outfit, Platinum Football Club coach, is not immune to the Siviwe Mpengesi boot. Mapeza said h...

Former Cape Town City coach, Benni McCarthy, points out his disatisfaction in one of his former club matches. By Malose Wa Ga Lamola Cape Town City has amicably parted ways with coach Benni McCarthy. McCarthy is the first to bite the dust following a string of poor results. He has led City to a mere two victories in all competitions this campaign. When the PSL gives match officials a few Read:  Middendorp Automatic Mandate weeks off for their weekly blunders, club bosses, show coaches the exit door. McCarthy has been outspoken about poor match officiating that led to his team losing games they should not have lost. Referees decision is final and those decisions have decided McCarthy's fate. McCarthy is tactically astute, that is unquestionable, but losing his job because of the people who continue to commit the same errors must be frustrating to coaches. Also Read:  Can Chiefs Star Help Bafana?  SAFA and PSL will write more letters to coaches but ...

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola Khama Billiat of Kaizer Chiefs. (Picture by Sydney Mahlangu/Backpagepix) Without adding fuel to the fire, but Khama Billiat is not appreciated at Naturena, hence he wants to force his way out of the club. In one of the media conferences held by Orlando Pirates prior to the mouth-watering encounter against Kaizer Chiefs, Rhulani Mokwena had pointed out that the Buccaneers opted against signing the Zimbabwean to protect the dressing room. If 'Mourinho's' statement is anything to go by then Khama is certainly dividing the dressing room at Naturena. The rumours making the rounds of his former side Mamelodi Sundowns attempting to lure him back was put to bed when Downs manager Yogesh Sigh admitted to be in talks with the Glamour Boys. Anything can still happen between now and transfer deadline day. Also Read: Can't lose Khama now If Khama wants to don the Brazilians' colours once again then it would only be fair for Chiefs to let go...

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola Pitso Mosimane is boasting a decorated CV in the domestic league therefore, it is disheartening to learn of the arrival of a technical director at Mamelodi Sundowns. Mosimane has proven beyond any reasonable doubt- that he is capable of doing his job- under no supervision. All the coaches that came after Trott Moloto and before Pitso have failed so dismally at Chloorkop. Appointing a technical director to boss Pitso is a sign of disperect. In exception of Ted Dumitru Europeans have come and gone at Sundowns without winning any title. The reigning coach of the season has accumulated more trophies than all his predecessors. Sundowns is showing a middle finger to Pitso. All the reported factions at Chloorkop are bad for the club. Pitso can be labelled arrogant and all but his work ethic is unquestionable. Patrice Motsepe wanted to conquer Africa and Pitso has ticked that box. Why are we still doubting our own? Without sounding xenophic but Europeans are ...

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola The Carling Cup has been glorified as the most unique tournament in the world- but the truth is- there is nothing extra ordinary about the competetition. South Africans must be sober minded to take football in the country foward. This is nothing much than promoting the biggest two teams in the country. Soweto derby needs no markerting- it is the most firce rivalry in our domestic calender. Telkom Charity cup was sacrificed for the most exaggerated competition. We should let go of the pretence. There is no logic in pretending this beer tournament is benefiting anyone- except the breweries. Four teams that participated in the one day Telkom Charity spectaculer have been trimmed to two. Black Label is using the same method used by Telkom by allowing fan participation. Football supporters were voting for their teams to take part in the charity cup- by no virtue of coincidence- Black Label urges fans to vote for their favourite player. In both competetions ...

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola When Khama Billiat swapped the blue and yellow stripes of Mamelodi Sundowns with the famous gold and black of Kaizer Chiefs- many expected him to change Amakhosi's fortunes instantly- but even reality has it's boundaries. Although Billiat is yet to win any piece of Silverware with the Naturena based outfit- his presence has be felt at the club. Chiefs cannot afford to trade Billiat for any amount of money. A player of Billiat's calibre will always attract interest from all corners of the world but Chiefs can't let go of their star player. No team is a one man team but one man can make a team tick. Chiefs has not won a trophy in three seasons- and with their backs against the wall Billiat has to rise to the occasion and be counted on. The Zimbabwean international has blown hot and cold in his two season stay at Chiefs. The once mighty Amakhosi needs his form to end their unwanted streak of trophy drought. Billiat can cause havoc to any tea...

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola The city of Tshwane has disowned midfielder- George Lebese- after he crossed the Juksei river to the north of Jozi to join Mamelodi Sundowns from Kaizer. Lebese joined his boyhood club but had it difficult to break into the star-studded line up. He didn't have to look far as he swapped the yellow jersey with the blue and white of Supersport United. It wasn't a smooth sail at Matsantsa a Pitori though. His loan spell with the three times Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions- and the club opted against aquiring his services on a permanent deal. Lebese was expected to return to Sundowns this season- but from this vintage point- Lebese is not ready to compete for a spot at Chloorkop. There where high fives and fist bumps as the people of Tshwane rejoiced the return of the prodigal son. Lebese was outspoken about his bitter relationship with coach Pitso Mosimane. Perhaps his utterances have burnt bridges with the mentor and their relationship is beyond...

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola South Africans were calling for the inclusion of Thembinkosi Lorch in the Bafana Bafana line up and the reinging Footballer of the year repaid their faith in him. In his first appearance at he Afcon 2019, Lorch, proved to be a cut above the rest. Goals win matches but perfomance creates those goals. The speedy attacker brought elements that Bafana lacked in his absentia. Bafana did not pose any danger to the opponents in the group stages- with no attempts to rattle the opposition's net. The annointed Lorch was waiting on the sidelines to lead South Africa to the land of milk and honey. 'Nyoso' took five shots at goal- three of those on target and one passionately kissing the back of the net. In Biblical terms Lorch can be compared to Moses who delivered the Israelists from the claws of the Egyptians. Lorch may be a late bloomer- coming into the professional football scene a bit late- but he is on time to rescue Bafana. The speedy attacker cam...

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola Maritzburg United's Premier Soccer League (PSL) status is hanging by a threat- but still has a chance to maintain it- and survive automatic chop to the National First Division. The Eric Tinkler mentored side- is sitting uncormfortably at the basement- of the log standings. Based on the performances Maritzburg has been ditching out, one wouldn't dare write their chances of cheating Dr Newton's law of gravity out. Certainly it was not the Team of Choice's choice to lead the race to the NFD. At this stage of the season- the picture shouldn't be as blur at the top and the bottom. With the gap between teams at the bottom so narrow- everything is still possible. The former Cape Town City coach- comes with a master plan to see off his opposite number but he needs his charges to execute it on the field. With Fortune Makaringe- pulling the strings in the middle of the park- to ease the work for a much celebrated Allan Kateregga- Maritzburg is ...

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola Bidvest Wits had their claws fully inserted in the Absa Premiership title for the better part of the campaing- but have drastically loosen up and let go of the number one spot. Until the twenty second matches, Gavin Hunt, coached side has been at the summit of the log. Hunt has an ample of experience- the four times league winner- has somehow lost the grip and allowed Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates to remain in the contest. The 2016 Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions has failed to keep the dream of adding a second title in three seasons alive. Wits has only one league title in their near a century of existence. In this merciless game of football- only the fittest survives. The Premier Soccer League is very competitive and hunters can easily become the hunted. With the league edging closer to the finishing line- one don't really relies on thyself. Sometimes the best attack- is a helpful friend. In a PSL jungle- even the best in camouflage ha...

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola When Orlando Pirates lock horns with Mamelodi Sundowns in a fierce- El Kasico encounter- there is barely a draw. This clash has a champions league pedigree. Sundowns mentor, Pitso Mosimane, has said that Pirates is the only team in the Premier Soccer League [PSL] that can match his side pound for pound. Though when Sundowns hosted Pirates in the first leg at Loftus Versfield- they played to a goalless draw- but usually there is a feast of goals in this encounter. This is not a derby match but it is the closest rivalry to the derby. When Pirates faces their fierce rivals in one of the biggest derbies in the world- Kaizer Chiefs- the Soweto derby produces little to no goals. Sundowns play Supersport United in the Capital city derby. But the Tshwane derby is so one sided- with Sundowns dominating. One cannot be as in denial and write off this fixture as one of the baddest fixtures in a domestic calender. Going into this fixture- Pirates rely heavily on form...

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola The gap is narrowly closing between the so-called giants and the small teams in the Absa Premiership. For a team of AmaZulu FC’s stature to hold a star-studded Mamelodi Sundowns to a 3-all draw in the six-goal thriller shows that money can’t buy you success.  Although, Sundowns fielded most of their fringe players, those players are quality as compared to the regulars at the Durban-based club. It came as no shock to me because football is not played on paper but on a hardened turf. Head Coach, Cavin Johnson’s charges didn't show too much respect to the reigning PSL champions and that fighting spirit yielded them results. Usuthu gave Pitso Mosimane’s men a run for their money. The big teams aren't becoming weak, but the minnows are stronger now. There will be plenty of surprises this season compared to the previous once.  Usuthu travels to the bright lights of Jozi to face the glittering Glamour Boys. Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundow...

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola After a performance that goes beyond industrious, Amazulu Football Club, has counted home a 3-1 victory over Orlando Pirates to secure maximum points in their opening Multichoice Diski Challenge game of the season. Orlando Pirates went for experienced campaigners at the back- with Jackson  Mabokgwane at goals and Justice Chabalala- marshaling the defence. This seems to be a solid wall. The spear-armed Usuthu didn't hesitate to demolish that Berlin wall. Like a classical tale: Amazulu started the game like a house on fire. The Kwa Zulu-Natal based outfit took the game to the Buccaneers. Bucs defence started to crack and commit fouls. In the first minute of the game Amazulu found the back of the net through a penalty kick.  Even the freezing Durban couldn't stop the on fire Usuthu. Just before the half time break- the attendees at the- Mpumalanga Hammarsdale Stadium in Kwa Zulu-Natal went into ruptures when Amazulu got their second goal. ...

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola The clock is certainly ticking for the Kaizer Chiefs mentor, Giovanni Solinas, at Naturena.  Solinas is yet to taste a league victory as the Amakhosi coach. The first piece of silverware has eluded him already- after being dumped out of- the MTN8 by Supersport United on Saturday night. It will be hard to convince the hard to please Chiefs fans that he is the right man for the job. The Italian is still new at Kaizer Chiefs but with a club of Chiefs stature there is no time to build. You have to hit the ground running. His predecessor- Steve Komphela's-dismissal was solely based on results and not performance. As the cynical adage has it: the more things change- the more they remain the same. Chiefs club manager; Bobby 'Bobsteak' Motaung, promised to make wholesale changes at Naturena but it seems like Solinas is working through Komphela's blueprint. Bobby Motaung has signed quality players this season compared to previous seas...

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola Africa is a jungle and only predators survive.  Known for its infomous big five - survival is never guaranteed. Mamelodi Sundowns hosts the Guinean side Horoya in their crunch final group match on Tuesday afternoon at the South African capital- Tshwane. In a jungle everyone can fall prey, it can go either way. The bare statistics suggests that Mamelodi Sundowns are the favourites; given that they are the 2016 Kings of African football. Sundowns are third in Group C with five points- three behind Horoya. The South African league champions have managed a single victory and two draws after round five of group matches. Anything less than a win won't be enough for Sundowns to progress through to the next phase of the competition. A draw will be enough for the visitors to secure a spot in the knockout stages. Though the statistics are in favour of Sundowns- their recent poor run of form might deter their chances. Sundowns has not scored a...

By Herrold Lamola In the most recent past- players were flocking in their numbers to the Mamelodi Sundowns headquarters- Chloorkop- to put a pen to paper and earn fat salaries for sharing their body temperatures with plastic seats on the bench. Contrary to that- players are now opposing the traffic- willing to leave the most successful team in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) era and take salary cuts at the so called small teams. I have it on good authority that the most influential players at Sundowns are more than prepared to leave Chloorkop because of the alleged ‘iron fist ruling’ by Pitso Mosimane. Players are seeking for freedom at a new and different environment away from Chloorkop. Themba Zwane, Tiyani Mabunda and Tebogo Langerman are yet to commit to Sundowns as their current contracts are set to expire in June next year. Khama Billiat has made it clear that he won’t renew his contract at Sundowns. Bafana Ba Style were signing everything and anything that moves- b...