How Dzvukamanja turned yours truly into one of his converts...

In January, when there were reports that Terrence Dzvukamanja was on his way out of Orlando Pirates, I said good riddance! He was, after all, one of the deadwood Pirates had to get rid of.

Instead, it was Zakhele Lepasa who was allowed to head SuperSport United, where Dzvukamanja was allegedly supposed to go and reunite with his former coach at Bidvest Wits, Gavin Hunt.

At that time, I was convinced that Orlando Pirates coach, Jose Riveiro, is a crazy man.

How could he possibly let Lepasa go, and keep a passenger like Dzvukamanja in the team?

Five months down the line, with the season having just ended, I am eating humble pie, and I must say, it tastes like embarrassment.

ALSO READ: Belief is key to Manchester United's resurgence, says Ten Hag: http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/believe-was-key-for-united-this-season.html

Dzvukamanja ended the season with eight goals and two assists in 19 appearances across all competitions.

He is currently Pirates' second best hope when it comes to scoring goal, next to DStv Premiership Players player of the Season, Monnapule Saleng.

Do I still believe he should leave Pirates?

Hell no!

With his contract set to expire at the end of June, I now believe Dzvukamanja should be one of the players Pirates should be looking to tie down for next season, and beyond maybe.

His contribution to their rise to a second spot finish in the league, and his Nedbank Cup final winning goal against Sekhukhune United has turned me into one of his converts.

Speaking to iDiski Times about his future, Dzvukamanja was coy in his response, giving nothing away.

"That one I don’t think I have a say and maybe if you can contact my agent and I think he can explain a little better than me because I was focusing on my job here," said Dzvukamanja. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/dstv-premiership/nedbank-cup-hero-dzvukamanja-comments-on-pirates-future/

"I still have a contract here."

Dzvukamanja, it seems, feels he has done his job, and now it is up to the club to do the right thing, something that he has no control over.

"I don’t know,"said Dzvukamanja.

"If they come, they will come. As I have said, that is from my agent to say ‘Terry, this is what is on the table’ and if it is something good or not good, I will take it from there."

However, with Pirates having qualified for the CAFCL, Dzvukamanja sounds keen to stay, and probably keep banging them in for the club in Africa's premier club competition.

"Every player wants to play for a big team and there is also CAF Champions League [for Pirates next season] and everyone wishes to play for this team."

Will he stay? Will he go? I think Riveiro would be crazy to let him go. 

Believe was key for United this season - Says Ten Hag.

Speaking at the club's end of the season awards ceremony, Manchester United boss, Erik Ten Hag, said belief in themselves and each other was key to United's improvement this season.

United, finished third on the English Premier League table, won the Carabao Cup, and are in the final of the Emirates FA Cup to played against Manchester City on Saturday at the Wembley Stadium.

But one of the most important achievements for Ten Hag and his troops is the UEFA Champions League qualification, a tournament they missed out on last season.

"Many things are key, but belief that you [can] win the game is the most important,” said Ten Hag as quoted by manutd.com

"When you show confidence on the pitch and believe in the plan and believe in your colleagues and your team-mates, then you will win."

"I think we did it [believe] in so many games – but we also dealt with setbacks. 

ALSO READ: Marcus Rashford wins big at Manchester United awards: http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/rashford-wins-big-at-man-united-awards.html

Ten Hag applauded his team's resilience, saying it is what they need to win trophies.

He added that the team is happy that they are going towards the right direction, although they are not yet satisfied.

"[This] is a resilient team of character and personality, that are all attributes that you need for a successful season [and] for winning trophies."

"We have seen it before the season, after the start of the season, and then where we came from – we are happy, we are [going] in the right direction, but satisfied? No, we are not."

Rashford wins big at Man United awards.

Marcus Rashford was the biggest winner on Monday night during the Manchester United end of the season awards ceremony.

Rashford walked away with the Player of the Season Award, which made him only the second Man United Academy graduate behind club legend, Ryan Giggs, to win the award.

And it didn't end there for the forward, as his teammates voted him as the Players players of the Season, ahead of another top contender, David De Gea, who has won the award a whopping four times.

It must be said, Rashford deserves his accolades, having been a notable contributor in the team's revival.

Rashford scored 30 goals, while contributing eleven assists across all competitions, playing a major role in helping United finish third in the English Premier League table.

Another winner was Antony Matheus Dos Santos, simply known as Antony.

ALSO READ: Riveiro says if Sundowns can do as well as they did in the CAFCL last season, so can Pirates.

http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/riveiro-sets-his-sights-on-cafcl.html

The 23-year-old Brazilian winger scooped the Goal of the Year Award for his sublime strike against Barcelona.

Although he didn't contribute as much as he was expected for United this season, he did however, score four goals, and provided two assists in 25 matches.

Former Bafana Bafana forward, and AmaZulu coach, Benni McCarthy, who currently working at United as a forward's coach, must be satisfied with his contribution in Rashford's resurgence this season,

Benni was credited for his help with the player finding his scoring boots and hunger for goals, with Rashford himself, speaking highly of him.

United will be hoping to wrap up their season on a high note by winning the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday at Wembley Stadium against Manchester City. 

Riveiro sets his sights on the CAFCL.

Having had a fantastic domestic season, where they won the MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup titles, also finishing second on the league, Orlando Pirates have every right to dream of bigger fish to fry, like the CAF Champions League.

And that is exactly what Pirates coach, Jose Riveiro, has set his sights on.

Riveiro says he is optimistic that Pirates can go all the way in Africa.

With their rich history in the continent, having managed to reach four finals, with two Champions League, of which they won one, and two CAF Confederations Cup, plus their recent revival, anything is possible.

"What are we going to do in Africa, dream…dream and we have the potential to go all the way, I’m a very optimistic person, I told you guys many times, don’t get me wrong with my face, I’m very optimistic," Riveiro said as quoted by iDiski Times. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/caf-champions-league/riveiro-makes-bold-cafcl-statement-citing-sundowns/

"So when I start a tournament, I’m going with the intention to go all the way. Then let’s see, we’re going to find difficult trips, difficult opponents, difficult decisions from the referees, it’s a difficult competition, it is."

Riveiro says if Sundowns can do as well as they did in the CAFCL last season, so can Pirates.

ALSO READ: David De Gea on the FA Cup final: http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/we-will-try-absolutely-everything-to.html

"But Sundowns did a fantastic job this season, they showed it’s possible for South African teams to compete until the last stages, so why not? We go little by little, we all start from zero again in every competition and we will face everyone with the intention to compete."

Bucs are also expected to put on a real fight for the DStv Premiership title next season, having shown great promise in the previous campaign, and finally end Sundowns dominance in the domestic football scene.

We will try absolutely everything to win - De Gea.

Manchester United goalkeeper, David De Gea, says they will try everything to win when they take on Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday 03 June at Wembley Stadium.

The English Premier League Golden Glove Award winner, who saved a penalty in Man United's last 2-1 win over Fulham during the weekend, added that for the whole year they have been working to be in a position to win titles, and they will give Saturday a full go.

"Tomorrow we recover and we start to prepare for [the final]," De Gea told MUTV.

"We know it’s a big final, a special game, and the whole year we’ve been fighting to be in the position to win titles and we will try absolutely everything to try to win."

De Gea, who has been fantastic between the sticks for United this season, is happy with the improvement the club has shown compared to the 2021/22 season.

ALSO READ: Injury woes for Guardiola ahead of the FA Cup showdown against Man United: http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/injury-woes-for-guardiola-ahead-of.html

"The improvement is there, of course, we still have far [to go] but [it is] a massive improvement from last season.

Having already won the Carabao Cup, and managed a third place finish which takes United back to the UEFA Champions League, De Gea believes they had a great season.

He also credits United boss, Erik Ten Hag for their revival this season, who always emphasizes focus and the will to win every match.

ALSO READ: Mokoena, Williams, win big at the PSL Awards: http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/mokoena-williams-prove-their-doubters.html

"Winning a cup, finishing third, it’s never easy to finish in Champions League places in England, and then we have another final, a big final – I think at the moment it is a great year.

"The manager wants us to be focused every game, to win every game.

"He was shouting before the game ‘come on guys, we have to finish properly, winning mentality."

Injury woes for Guardiola ahead of Manchester Derby.

Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, is hoping five of his key players, including Kevin De Bruyne, will recover in time from their small injuries and exhaustion ahead of the FA Cup final battle against Manchester United.

Guardiola made seven changes to his team in their 1-0 loss to Brentford on Sunday, mostly forced by injuries and exhaustion.

“We have four or five players with niggles, not big injuries, but they are injuries,” said Guardiola as quoted by amp.mancity.com

“The guys who didn’t play here were really, really exhausted the day before and mentally, they were completely drained.

“The guys who are in Manchester - Ruben didn't train for 10 days, Jack Grealish, as well.

“After the game against Brighton, Kevin felt the same feelings that he had before, weeks ago when he could not play a few games. It is what it is.

“It's not a big issue, I think they will be ready. They have to be ready for the training sessions and I am going to see them in three days and that's why today was so important to see these players and how they are.

ALSO READ: Mokoena, Williams, win big during PSL Awards: http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/mokoena-williams-prove-their-doubters.html

“Phil is in incredible form, Riyad as well, Cole was so active in many things.

“To play the finals we have to play the guys who feel better. Not because they played a lot of minutes.

“That’s why it was good to play with these guys and rest the other ones and hopefully the other ones can recover.

“The guys who played today deserved to and it’s important for me to see how they feel.

“And Nathan (returned) after being injured. Aymer (Laporte) came back again and played 90 minutes."

Rest and recovery will be key for Guardiola's men, with the all important UEFA Champions League final to follow after the Manchester Derby.

One player though, who hasn't had much rest, is Kyle Walker.

ALSO READ: If happiness was a football club, that club would be Orlando Pirates.

http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/happiness-lives-at-orlando-pirates.html

“Unfortunately for Kyle I could not give him time to rest because we didn’t have many substitutions.

“But they needed to rest now, to arrive with the right energy and that is going to happen against United and after in the next game in the Champions League.

“Wednesday they will train and recover tomorrow. Hopefully (they will be OK), but right now, I don’t know.”

Mokoena, Williams, prove their doubters wrong.

It is now history that Teboho Mokoena (Footballer and midfielder of the season) and Ronwen Williams (Goalkeeper of the season) were big winners in the PSL awards held on Sunday evening.

For Williams, who was said to have committed career suicide by switching to Mamelodi Sundowns from neighbors SuperSport United at the beginning of the 2022/23 season, winning the goalkeeper of the season is more of an egg to the faces of those who expected him to play second fiddle to Denis Onyango.

Given a chance in the beginning of the campaign, Williams quickly showed why he is South Africa's number one, by keeping clean sheet after clean sheet, pulling off some brilliant saves at times, making the goalkeeping spot his own.

More than anything, it is how Williams fitted perfectly within the Sundowns style of play that was impressive, which includes a lot of build ups from the back.

ALSO READ: If happiness was a football club, that club would be Orlando Pirates.

http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/happiness-lives-at-orlando-pirates.html

Comfortable with the ball on his feet, Williams added an extra dimension to Downs cutting edge football.

He went on to play 26 League matches for Sundowns, conceding nine goals and keeping a record breaking 18 clean sheets.

If you include all competitions, Williams appeared 41 times for Downs, with 25 goals conceded and 22 clean sheets.

As for Mokoena, it was a season where he showed how good he can be if he worked a little bit harder, off the ball that is.

His exploits on the ball are well documented, he can play.

But it is his work out of possession that, at times, left a lot to be desired. When he replaced Andile Jali as a Sundowns number six, a lot of Downs supporters were unhappy, some went as far as saying he was not Downs material.

ALSO READ: Bucs tipped to raid the transfer market in preparation for next season: http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/pirates-expected-to-raid-transfer.html

But Tebza, a fighter, knuckled down and did a fantastic job in the Sundowns midfield, appearing 39 times across all competitions, with two goals scored, and three assists in his name.

Williams, and Mokoena, both born leaders, played a huge role in Downs' record breaking season,

They also have a big role to play for Sundowns and the national team going forward, and their awards were well deserved too!

Pirates expected to raid the transfer market, with the CAFCL in mind.

While continuity will be a priority for Orlando Pirates head coach, Jose RiveiroJose Riveiro, to build on the success of the 2022/23 season, he says they will also be active in the transfer market to strengthen the squad.

Pirates showed great improvement under Riveiro, by playing with a clear identity, with a lot of tactical discipline which saw them finishing the season with the second best defensive record in the league behind champions, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Having qualified for the CAF Champions League, competition they would love to give a good go, and their ambition to wrestle the Dstv PremiershipDstv Premiership title away from from Sundowns, Pirates will have no choice but to make important additions to their playing personnel.

"It’s a market, players are coming and going every season, I hope not many, it’s important to give continuity to the things we built already," said Riveiro as quoted by iDiski TimesiDiski Times. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/nedbank-cup/riveiro-on-pirates-off-season-transfer-plans/

"But again probably it’s our obligation, it’s mandatory for us to always have one eye on the market to look at opportunities to improve the squad, the coaching staff, everything because we need to do it, we want to compete and we have to move forward.

ALSO READ: If happiness was a football club, that club would be Orlando Pirates.

http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/happiness-lives-at-orlando-pirates.html

"We can’t think now everything is alright, Riveiro this and the players [are] that, no, we have to be critical [on ourselves], because there are reasons to do that and look for opportunities to make us better as a team."

Pirates did make some interesting signings in the 2022/23 seasons, the three most notable ones being the experienced duo of Kermit Erasmus, former Amazulu midfield hard man, Makhehlene Makhaula, and national team goalkeeper, Melusi Buthelezi.

It will be in offensive positions where Bucs might look to bolster their squad, having relied heavily on Monnapule Saleng in the season that's just ended. 

There will be more finals - Truter.

Sekhukhune United head coach, Brandon Truter, has every reason to believe his side will reach more cup finals.

Sekhukhune proved beyond any reasonable doubt that they can box against the best when they pushed Orlando Pirates to the limit in their 2-1 Nedbank Cup loss on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Although aging a bit, Sekhukhune players have shown they still have hunger for the game and success that comes with winning.

Having lifted them up from the depths of the relegation zone, Truter has managed to get the best out of players like Edwin Gyimah and Sipho Ntiya-Ntiya, who seem to have found a new lease on life under his guidance.

The addition of talented duo, Kamohelo Mokotjo and Sibusiso Viakazi has added much needed depth in Truter's squad.

Judging by their performances in the second half of the season, and their spirited display against Pirates on Saturday, there is only one way that Babina Noko are headed, and that is all the way up.

"I think it was a good final for the supporters, a good advert for Nedbank. Of course, we scored early, and they scored the last goal and won it," said a proud Truter as quoted by SABC Sport.

"I'm extremely proud of the boys, with the strides made this season – so many accolades, so many achievements, so I can't be bitter about this result.

"I'm sure there will be more finals with the progression in the team, but other than that, you wake up in the morning with expectations and the day will end with experiences."

ALSO READ: If happiness was a football club, that club would be Orlando Pirates: http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/happiness-lives-at-orlando-pirates.html

By virtue of reaching the Nedbank Cup final, with winners Pirates set to take part in the CAF Champions League, Sekhukhune will find themselves in the CAF Confederations Cup next season. 

Happiness lives at Orlando Pirates.

If happiness was a football club, that club would be Orlando Pirates.

The Buccaneers completed their successful 2022/23 season by lifting the Nedbank Cup after beating Sekhukhune United 2-1.

Having won the MTN8 earlier in the season, Pirates also finished second on the log, earning themselves a place in the CAF Champions League.

Jose Riveiro, who is in his first season with Bucs, and also in the running for coach of the season, should be commended for the brilliant work he has done with the club.

To achieve what he achieved in his debut season is no small feat.

It is in the way he went about winning the double and qualifying for the CAFCL that Riveiro has been impressive.

Amabhakaniya play attractive, attacking football that maximizes the strength of their players.

Defensively, they are solid, which speaks volumes about Riveiro's tactical acumen. To achieve the kind of balance between offensive and defensive play he has been able to achieve is not an easy thing to do. But the Spaniard has done it with aplomb.

It is his players that Riveiro is proud of, whom he says they did everything, and everything they did!

ALSO READ: Haaland on his EPL debut season: http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/first-season-in-epl-went-beyond.html

"My players did everything, it’s not easy to play in an exciting day like today,” said Riveiro as quoted by iDiski Times.

"We are learning, we are getting better. We want to play more finals, so this is going to be a good learning process for us.

"I’m extremely happy with the victory, as you can imagine, for everybody, for the fans, for the people in the club, family, friends."

With the kind of performances they displayed this season, one can boldly say that Pirates will be the team to beat next season.

If Riveiro, once called a 'plumber', can achieve what he achieved in his first season, more can be expected from him, a league title maybe? 

I couldn’t see it - Klopp on UCL spot.

• Liverpool will finish fifth on the EPL log table.

• Europa League is their destination.

• Klopp saw it coming [No UCL football]

With Liverpool's fifth place finish confirmed, Jurgen Klopp says as optimistic as he is, he couldn't see his side qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, especially with Newcastle United needing just a point in their previous game to close the door on Liverpool.

"Of course in the moment when it’s then a fact that you cannot qualify for the Champions League anymore, that’s a moment where… because even when I knew after the last game they need one point or whatever, the other two teams need one point, for me it was clear they will get that point so I drew kind of a line underneath it," Klopp said as quoted by liverpoolfc.com.

"I’m a very optimistic person but in these moments I couldn’t see it."

The Liverpool boss has accepted fifth place, which, incidentally, he was not too optimistic about either.

ALSO READ: Haaland on his EPL debut season: http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/first-season-in-epl-went-beyond.html

"If you don’t qualify for the Champions League the best possible place you can end up is fifth, that’s what we did. If you would have asked me that 10 games ago if that’s possible, I would have said, ‘No, I can’t see that, for that you have to play much better’ and all these kinds of things. That the boys did that is really good. It is not perfect. We didn’t end up in fifth place because of the last 10 games, we ended up there because of the lack of consistency before that."

Lack of consistency, is what landed Liverpool in fifth place according to Klopp.

He bemoans their horrible form after the World Cup, and says had they played the way they played in the last 10 games for the whole season, they would be telling a different story.  

"But, I’m not sure, I think the last 10 games, if I’m right even after Dubai since we were in the training camp, so after the World Cup, not everything was great but the amount of points we collected since then is pretty good and if we could have done that over the whole season we would be in a different place."

One thing that Klopp is optimistic about, is Liverpool's prospects for next season, based on the spirit at Anfield towards the end of the season.

"Of course there are reasons for optimistic views because the things we showed in the last few weeks, that’s definitely the case. We have another reason for an optimistic view.

"Because of the atmosphere our people created in the last home game, after the Villa game the atmosphere in the stadium, the way the club said farewell, the day after that how Bobby [Firmino] said farewell.

"All these kinds of things are absolutely the basis for a fantastic future, so we don’t have to make it bigger than it is. It’s a football season, we didn’t deliver what everybody wanted and everybody expected rightly so. But we are still really united and that’s the good thing about it."

Liverpool travel to St. Mary's Stadium on Sunday 28 May for their last English Premier League for their season finale against Southampton. Kick-off will be at 17:30.

First season in the EPL went beyond Haaland's expectations.

It can only be Haaland:

• 36 EPL goals.

• 52 goals across all competitions.

• A 29-year-old EPL goalscoring record broken in first season.

• 2023 Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year.

Manchester City goal machine, Erling Haaland, is surprised by the success he has achieved at the Etihad in his debut season.

He said as much as he expected things to go well at City, he didn't expect them to be this good.

He was speaking after receiving his 2023 Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award, which he won with a whopping 80% of the votes.

"I didn’t expect it to be this good!" Haaland told amp.mancity.com.

“I expected it to be good of course.

"To come into a team that’s been scoring many goals while winning the Premier League a lot of times – two in a row now three, I expected to do good things but to do this I didn’t quite expect.

"It’s been a fantastic season so far and I’m happy.

"I like it [in Manchester] I’m enjoying it on and off the pitch, I’m enjoying my life.

"The vibe is fantastic. I really enjoy myself. I have a lot of friends.

"We joke a lot, we enjoy it a lot in the locker room and on the pitch. I am really enjoying it and there’s so many good guys in the team."

ALSO READ: Mathoho, a mannequin wearing jersey number 3: http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/mathoho-mannequin-wearing-jersey-number.html

The 22-year-old had special praises for his boss, Pep Guardiola.

Haaland said Guardiola's achievement of  five league titles in six years is 'unreal'. And also touched on the amazing stuff he makes them do in training.

"When you win your fifth Premier League in six years it’s unreal.

"He makes things look so easy on the training ground and in the games.

"It’s crazy what he’s doing and what he makes us do and how good we can play. It’s a big honour to have him as my coach. It’s a pleasure.  

"We don’t like to focus on the future or on the past. I like to live in the moment and I like to take it game-by-game, exactly like what he said and that’s we did.

"We focused and we achieved exactly what we wanted to achieve and in the end it was unreal what we did.

"To be behind all season and in the end just come like a unit together was amazing and an amazing feeling."

Man City will play their last English Premier League game of the season on Sunday 28 May against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. The game will kick-off at 17:30.

Mathoho, a mannequin wearing jersey number 3.

Kaizer Chiefs once signed a mannequin, and he was handed jersey number 3. Legendary stuff!

• 11 seasons

• 267 appearances

• 22 goals

• 34 Bafana Bafana caps

• CAF Champions League medal

Eric Mathoho achieved a lot with Kaizer Chiefs, and earned the respect and appreciation for fans, teammates, and Kaizer Chiefs management.

A true professional in his mannerism, one can only hope we haven't seen the last of the man popularly know as Tower.

But above it all, I don't think we have ever had a new signing introduced in mannequin form besides Tower, or have we?

If not, Tower holds the funniest of records.

"Who can forget the dramatic moment in July 2012 when we unvelived our new players, including Morgan Gould, Kgotso Moleko and Siboniso Gaxa, but we were only able to unveil a mannequin wearing jersey #3, as we were trying hard to bring the player to Naturena," said Kaizer Chiefs Marketing Director, Jessica Motaung as quoted by kaizerchiefs.com.

"We knew he was our player but needed to finalise some paper work, as there was interest from other teams."

ALSO READ: Ten Hag says Man Utd are back where they belong: http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/this-club-belongs-in-champions-league.html

Being appreciated, called a legend, and told you are always welcome at Naturena, by none other than Dr Kaizer Motaung, is a blessing on its own, and Mathoho is a blessed man.

"We are happy that the man from Tshiombo in Limpopo realised his dream of donning the Gold & Black jersey of the team he supported from childhood. It’s not everyone who realises this dream," said Kaizer Chiefs Chairman, Dr Kaizer Motaung.

"Erick now joins our long list of Kaizer Chiefs legends who served the Club and its supporters with aplomb over the last 53 years and he will always be welcomed at the Kaizer Chiefs Village."

But....

A bit more could have been done by Kaizer Chiefs to show their appreciation to a player who served the club with distinction for 11 seasons.

Maybe a farewell match or something along those lines. Somehow, I believe that Mathoho deserved better.

This club belongs in the Champions League - Ten Hag.

Manchester United boss, Erik Ten Hag, says United are back where they belong, after securing their UEFA Champions League spot following their 4-1 victory over Chelsea.

United are heading back to the UCL after last participating in it in the 2021/22 season.

Ten Hag believes a Champions League spot is a huge achievement considering the competitiveness of the English Premier League.

"It’s really important [to finish in the top four]. This club belongs in the Champions League and it’s not so easy in the Premier League. It’s a tough competition, strong, with a lot of teams competing for that. And we made it, so we make a good season," said Ten Hag as quoted by manutd.com.

Ten Hag, whose Man United revival project seems to be headed towards the right direction, having won the Carabao Cup, and qualified for the UCL, says he is happy at United, and the spirit within the club is good.

The Champions League qualification, specifically, is the most important step for United, according to their boss.

ALSO READ: Andile Jali exits Mamelodi Sundowns:http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/makaab-confirms-jalis-sundowns-exit.html

"I am comfortable here. But I remember after the second game, Brentford, it was tough. But, yeah, I think we construct a team, it's a good spirit.

"We work very good in the training pitch and we get results. We are improving and I think we are in the right direction and we know we are still not there where we want to be, but we are back in the Champions League. That was, I think, a really important step. We had to do it because if you want to be successful, you have to be in the Champions League."

Now that United have made it into the UCL, Ten Hag has set his sights on finishing third in the EPL.

He has highlighted the importance of winning their next match, with Newcastle United breathing down their necks.

"It's important, Sunday,  we still can be third in the league. It's important to keep [our] focus [and] not get injuries as well. So it gives us good goals for Sunday. But also get a [new] home record, in the history [of United], we can get that. So it's going to be an important game. We want to win that game."

Man United plays Fulham in their next match on Sunday 28 May at Old Trafford. Kick-off will be at 17:30.

Makaab confirms Jali's Sundowns exit.

    

• All good things come to an end, and so is Andile Jali's journey with Mamelodi Sundowns.

Jali's agent, Mike Makaab, has ended months of speculation by confirming that the midfielder is leaving Sundowns after the two parties, Prosport international and the club agreed on a mutual termination which will be done during the course of the week.

Jali joined Sundowns in 2018, enjoying much success with the club having won five league titles.

The 2021/22 season was probably Jali's best season at Sundowns, with him playing an integral role in their treble winning team.

It was in the season that has just ended where Jali's Sundowns career turned on its head.

He was relegated to the bench, only managing a few cameo appearances, especially after Rulani Mokwena took over the head coaching reigns.

The final straw came when Jali allegedly arrived at Chloorkop under the influence of alcohol, which was followed by him stopping to train with the club.

"We are in the process of finalising a mutual termination, which will be done during the course of this week. He will leave on a positive and amicable basis," Makaab told SABC Sport. https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/confirmed-andile-jali-leaving-mamelodi-sundowns

"An official statement will come from the club, but when a “new coach” comes in to the building…he has his own thoughts and ideas, and we have to respect that and so does AJ," he added.

As recent as last week when Sundowns were booted out of the CAF Champions League by Wydad AC, many Downs fans felt that Jali could have made a huge difference in helping the team maintain their lead.

That's how influential the player has been to that Sundowns midfield.

Makaab says the club appreciates Jali for his services, and so does the player for the way he was welcomed.

But one thing for sure, he won't appreciate the way his exit was handled, having last played for the club in February.

ALSO READ: Truter praises Riveiro: http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/truter-showers-riveiro-with-praises.html

"I know that Sundowns are very appreciative of the value that Andile has brought to the club and he is too of the way he was welcomed. He wore the captain’s armband, which is one of the great achievements. There’s absolutely nothing else other than purely technical reasons."

Although Makaab did not give much away in terms of Jali's next move, it is no secret that the midfielder, whom Maakab says is the best number six in the country, has many admirers.

Kaizer Chiefs, who have battled to fill the void left by Njabulo Blom in the midfield, is rumoured to be one of them.

"We are trying to finalise the issue with Sundowns out of respect for both parties. He wants to play, he believes he’s got two more years at least. He was outstanding last year and good in the first few months of this season – but things can change. We will have to play it by ear now.

"Then we have to get him ready for pre-season. He’s got a personal trainer at the moment and he is very motivated for the next chapter. I still believe, and this is my opinion, that he is the best No.6 in the land." 

Truter showers Riveiro with praises before Nedbank Cup final showdown.

                 Image: iDiskiTv

Brandon Truter knows how to talk a good game before a big game.

The Sekhukhune United coach has showered his Orlando Pirates counterpart, Jose Riveiro with sweet praises ahead of the two sides Nedbank Cup final clash on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

If anything, Riveiro should be blushing from Truter's praises.

Nonetheless, none of what Truter says about the Spanish tactician is lie.

Orlando Pirates play some attractive attacking football, and slowly but surely, one can see the identity that Riveiro is instilling in the team.

A second place finish, which takes Pirates to the CAF Champions League, an MTN8 trophy in the bag, and a Nedbank Cup final, which could mean another trophy loading, means Riveiro deserves all the praises he can get, and Truter is not stingy with them.

"Jose has done fantastically well this season," he said as quoted by iDiski Times. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/nedbank-cup/riveiro-improves-sa-football-truter/

"In terms of the strides that he made at the club, at Pirates, creating an identity as well.

"This is the type of coaches we should be attracting to the PSL, in terms of adding value to the product, in terms of helping our development in South Africa as a country where football is going.

"I think Pirates at this stage has a clear identity of attractive, attacking football and that’s how you want football to be played in the end of the day.

"That identity is clear, also with the striker’s coach and coach Mandla [Ncikazi] as well."

ALSO READ: Mailula thought they were going to extra-time against Wydad:http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/i-thought-are-we-going-to-extra-time.html

Perhaps, one of the biggest truths in Truter's praise of Riveiro, is the fact that Orlando Pirates didn't bring one of the 'Plumbers' from overseas to coach the club, but a quality coach.

"I think they’ve bridged some gaps there on foreign coaches coming into the country as well, it’s not just adding numbers, but adding quality to the league."

Brakkies, as Truter is also known, deserves sweet praises of his own.

He managed to lift Sekhukhune from the relegation zone into a 7th place finish in the DStv Premiership.

With Pirates having finished second, therefore qualifying for the CAFCL, It means Sekhukhune, by virtue of reaching the Nedbank Cup final, have qualified for the CAF Confederations Cup. 

I thought ‘are we going to extra-time - Mailula.

                 Image: iDiski Times 

Mamelodi Sundowns forward, Cassius Mailula, says he thought they would go to extra-time after the CAF Champions League semi-final against Wydad Athletic Club ended 2-2.

It took someone reminding him of the away goal rule for the sad reality to sink in for the 21-year-old Mailula, which was followed by heartbreak and a rain of tears.

"Even after the final whistle I thought ‘are we going to extra-time?’ But then someone told me ‘no, it’s away goals’," Mailula told MSW, as quoted by iDiski Times. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/caf-champions-league/mailula-explains-tearful-breakdown-after-cafcl-exit/

"That’s why I was so, so emotional because I believed that if we’re going to extra-time, I thought they didn’t have a chance. But that’s what happened."

Mailula says winning the CAFCL title has been his goal since 2016.

He says it has always been his dream to see himself lifting the trophy alongside his idol, Themba Zwane.

ALSO READ: Kermit Erasmus on Ratomo: http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/hes-such-great-talent-erasmus-on-ratomo.html

"I knew from day 1 that this is what I want, the dream that I always wanted. [Winning CAFCL] is something that I wanted to achieve.

"I would’ve actually loved to be in the final and win it in my first season with the first team, and actually to lift the trophy with Themba Zwane – Mshishi, because it’s one of the things that I said in 2016, it’s something I want to do one day."

While his dream took a heartbreaking knock, Mailula says it is not over. He will take the experiences learned from the competition and move on.

"But I don’t think it’s over. I think I’ve learnt a lot in this competition. It’s one of those days in football where you have to experience such things and to learn."

He's such a great talent - Erasmus on Ratomo.

Orlando Pirates youngster, Relebohile Ratomo, is one of the shining lights in South African football, alongside the likes of Mduduzi Shabalala of Kaizer Chiefs, and Siyabonga Mabena of Mamelodi Sundowns.

While Shabalala was handed his Chiefs senior debut a bit earlier, Ratomo had to wait longer for his chance.

But when it came, he grabbed it with both hands.

Ratomo made his DStv Premiership debut for Pirates in their draw against Royal AM, but it was in their final game of the season, a 4-0 win over AmaZulu where the 18-year-old formally introduced himself to Bucs fans by scoring a goal.

Pirates forward, Kermit Erasmus, revealed to iDiski Times what he told the Ratomo to calm his nerves.

“You know when he came in he was sitting next to me in the changing room and he looked a little bit nervous,” Erasmus told iDiski Times. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/dstv-premiership/erasmus-reveals-his-advice-to-bucs-talent/

“And all I told him was to never forget that he’s got the ability to play as long as he was willing to make the hard yards for the team, the ability will come out on its own. It’s not to be fearful of the occasion, just play with freedom.

“It’s easier said than done but, you know, I think when you hear from somebody who’s been part of the team or been in the game, it comes across a bit different."

ALSO READ: Roberto De Zerbi on Man City draw: http://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/we-deserved-result-de-zerbi-on-man-city.html

Erasmus says Ratomo is a great talent who needs to keep his feet on the ground to have a flourishing career.

“You could see in the game, he had so much fun. He’s such a great talent, I just hope that he has a great career and he keeps his feet on the ground.”

With experienced players like Erasmus around him, Ratomo is in good hands. 

We deserved the result - De Zerbi on Man City draw.

Brighton & Hove Albion needed all but a point to make sure of their Europa League spot, and they pushed Manchester City to the limit to earn it with an exciting 1-1 draw at the Amex on Wednesday evening.

Julio Enciso scored a stunning equalizer from long range in the 38th minute to cancel Phil Foden's earlier strike, earning Brighton a well deserved result.

Brighton boss, Roberto De Zerbi, says City didn't do them any favors, they deserved their point, in what he says was one of the best games of the season.

"We didn’t receive a gift of the one point, we deserved the result. I am really proud, because I think this one of the best games of the season. It was very tough, but we played with incredible quality and courage," De Zerbi said after the match as quoted by brightonandhovealbion.com.

"The improvement of the players has been fantastic and for me it’s very satisfying. We had to respect ourselves, the club and our fans and show the courage and that we believe in ourselves to win against the best team in the world. I think we did that."

When he took over the reigns at Brighton, De Zerbi says qualifying for Europe was not in his mind.

Learning about his players and the English Premier League was his main focus.

ALSO READ: Pep Guardiola on the Brighton draw: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/brighton-they-destroy-other-opponents.html?m=1

But with just a game left in their season, Brighton have achieved the seemingly impossible under the Italian, qualifying for Europe for the first time in their history, while playing some brilliant football.

 "At the beginning I didn’t put my focus on the target of the Europa League. I had to analyse the players, learn about the Premier League and to understand the new country," he added.

"But step by step I started to think about our potential and in February it was clear in my head that we could fight for a big target."

Brighton, they destroy the other opponents - Guardiola.

       Image: Fabrizio Romano Facebook

Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday evening at the Falmer Stadium.

Phil Foden put the English Premier League champions ahead in the 25th minute, before Julio Enciso equalized for Brighton with a stunner in the 38th minute.

In a game where the only stat that went City's way is ball possession, which they had 61% of, Brighton, who showed City absolutely no respect, dominated the other aspects; with 20 goal attempts to City's 13, and seven shots on target, while City had four.

Man City boss, Pep Guardiola, says Brighton destroys the other opponents with the type of football they play, and he is happy with how his side responded to their threat, by not dropping the momentum they have been keeping in the past few weeks.

"Brighton, they destroy the other opponents they have been playing. They did it in certain moments, especially the last 10 or 15 minutes, we struggled but we did really well," Guardiola told Sky Sports after the game.

"We cannot drop momentum. I didn't see it, against Chelsea I didn't see it today. During the week we have to rest, recover mentally. It's been demanding for the past six months playing Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and chasing Arsenal. The training now is just relaxed."

ALSO READ: Hunt on why SA football needs a reboot: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/hunt-has-spoken-sa-football-needs-reboot.html?m=1

Guardiola says the game was exceptional, especially considering the fact that they played 48 hours after drinking all the alcohol in Manchester.

"Exceptional game. Congratulations to Brighton for their deserved qualification to the Europa League.

"The game we played, 48 hours after we drank all the alcohol in Manchester, 48 hours later we behaved and we showed why we were the champions against that team.

"We showed what we have done with and without the ball. I didn't see one drop in our intensity and idea. They had chances, we had chances, we scored a goal, they scored a goal.

"Both teams want the ball, both teams want to press. The keepers are fundamental in this game. The quality they have, they are an exceptional team."

Hunt has spoken, SA football needs a reboot.

SuperSport United coach, Gavin Hunt is one of the few coaching 'elders' remaining and still very much involved in South African football amongst an influx of new, younger generation of coaches, and when an elder speaks, we need to listen and take notes.

Answering football journalist, Lorenz Kohler's question about most Premier Soccer League's teams being less than 10 years old, Hunt said South African football needs a serious reboot.

Hunt believes PSL teams have bloated squads and they need to cut down on the number of players they have on their books.

But one important issue that hunt touched on, is the issue of PSL clubs selling their franchises like hot fat cakes on a busy street in the morning.

One has to look at one club that is a huge part of the South African football heritage, Wits University, whose 99 years of history has been 'erased' in less than three years after they sold their status to recently relegated Marumo Gallants.

Wits is not the only South African football heritage that has literally gone down the drain, Bloemfontein Celtic is another fallen giant, having been purchased by KwaZulu-Natal business woman, Shauwn Mkhize and renamed Royal AM.

According to hunt, if a team's status is purchased, the name should not change, as well as the club's base.

ALSO READ: Erik Ten Hag on Manchester United's ambitions: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/we-want-to-compete-with-best-ten-hag.html?m=1

Teams form a huge part of the community they are based in, they become part of the community's soul, one can only look at what Celtic meant to the people of Bloemfontein, and what it did to them when it was sold.

Imagine Mamelodi Sundowns being sold to a businessman from Limpopo, and renamed Limpopo Sundowns, just ponder on that.

Hunt, has touched on some serious issues.

Even clubs themselves need their own internal reboots.

The fact that Mamelodi Sundowns has won the DStv Premiership title says a lot about the declining level of competitiveness in our elite league.

Sundowns winning the league with seven matches to spare this time around, and with a points gap of 16 for two seasons running should lead to the likes of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates doing some serious introspection, and, as Hunt says, do some very necessary reboots. 

We want to compete with the best - Ten Hag.

Manchester United will host Chelsea in a crucial English Premier League encounter on Thursday 25 May at Old Trafford, with the Kick-off at 21:00.

Man United needs just a point to secure a UEFA Champions League spot next season, with two matches remaining.

United boss, Erik Ten Hag, says they want to compete with the best, which means playing in the UCL, and that makes winning against Chelsea on Thursday evening non-negotiable.

"We want to compete with the best and then you have to be in the Champions League. It is simple," Ten Hag told journalists at Carrington earlier today, as quoted by manutd.com.

"First, we have to win the game tomorrow and get the job done. Then it is about the judgement from others. If it's a good performance or a bad performance or a poor performance."

Ten Hag says United are on a journey back to winning trophies, a journey that has been good with one trophy in the bag.

He insists though, that good is not good enough, they can always do better.

"We are in a project and we want to go back and win trophies, [we have] won one trophy and we want to win more trophies and we want to compete with the best. We are still in a journey, but we think we are in the right direction. We can always be better because good is not good enough.''

United will be boosted by the return to fitness of Marcus Rashford, who has been a revelation for them this season.

Rashford missed United's 1-0 win over Bournemouth due to illness.

"It looks like [he will be available], but yesterday he returns in training and he looks quite fit but we have to see today what the outcome is from the training - how did he recover and then we will make our choices," said Ten Hag regarding Rashford's return. 

SA⚽TxT's DStv Premiership team of the season.

The 2022/23 season has come and gone, with the Nedbank Cup final and the relegation/promotion players the only remaining activities on its calendar. 

As with every season, once again a few players stood out in this campaign, and this writer took time to select what he believes is the best eleven for 2022/23.

Formation: 4-2-1-3 

Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams 

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper, Williams, had a great season after his move from SuperSport United was questioned by a lot of football pundits. 

With Denis Onyango having made the Sundowns number one spot his own, Williams was expected to keep the bench warm. 

Instead, Williams is in the running for the player of the season award, and he is definitely the goalkeeper of the season. 

Right-Back: Khuliso Mudau 

If you want a number two who can go up and down the line all day long, Mudau is your man. 

The Sundowns number two doesn't only march up and down the line with ease, his tackling in dangerous one v one situations is superb. 

Left-Back: Riaan Hanamub 

AmaZulu FC might find it hard to hold on to their number three for long. 

Like Mudau, Hanamub has all the attributes one looks for in a fullback, the speed, contributing both in attack and defence, and one v one defending skills to boast. 

Center-Half: Nkosinathi Sibisi 

Orlando Pirates have themselves a top defender in Sibisi. 

If you want a lethal striker to be bottled for 90 minutes, Sibisi is your man. 

His defender of the season nomination is testimony to his huge contribution to Bucs' rock solid defence this season. 

Center-Half: Given Msimango 

Msimango was a revelation for TS Galaxy this season.  like Sibisi, his contribution in Galaxy's excellent defensive record has not gone unnoticed, with a Bafana call-up, a defender of the season nomination, and a move to Kaizer Chiefs his due rewards. 

Pivot-One: Tebogo Mokoena 

With Andile Jali's future uncertain at Mamelodi Sundowns, Mokoena took the opportunity presenting itself with both hands, and showed the stuff he is made of when it comes to playing the holding midfield role. 

And he has done so with aplomb, a midfielder of the season award is loading. 

Pivot-Two: Miguel Timm 

Timm has been a revelation for Orlando Pirates this season, cleaning up in front of their defence, as well as initiating attacks with his wide range of passing abilities. 

You only have to listen to Pirates supporters when he touches the ball to understand the impact he has made. Another worthy contender for the midfielder of the season award, which unfortunately, he didn't get. 

Number-Ten: Themba Zwane 

For this particular role, Mshishi has no peers at the moment, he keeps maturing like fine wine. 

He didn't have the best of seasons, yet he made enough of an impact to earn a midfielder of the season nomination. 

Center-Forward: Peter Shalulile 

The Namibian assassin came back from a lengthy injury lay-off to claim his throne as a leading goal poacher in the league, although he has some company this time around, in Khanyisa Mayo. 

Left-Wing-Forward: Cassius Mailula 

Mailula was another revelation for Manelodi Sundowns this season. 

His goals and assists in the DStv Premiership and the CAF Champions League earn him a selection ahead of joint top goal scorer, Khanyisa Mayo. 

I see you Khanyisa, I see you. The second half is all yours! 

Right-Wing-Forward: Monnapule Saleng 

15 goals, nine assists, numerous man of the match awards. 

Need I say more? Except that for a man with such small shoulders, Saleng sure did carry a heavy load that is Orlando Pirates this season, without tiring!! 

Head-Coach: Rulani Mokwena 

First-Assistant: Jose Riveiro 

Third-Assistant: Gavin Hunt

Pirates players hooked on winning trophies.

If Miguel Timm's words are anything to go by, Sekhukhune United should brace themselves for war when they clash with Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup on Saturday 27 May at Loftus Versfeld.

According to Timm, Orlando Pirates are addicted to winning trophies after winning the MTN8 title earlier this season.

And when someone is addicted to something, they do whatever it takes to get their fix.

"We are going into this game with a lot of hunger and desire to get that feeling we got when we won the MTN8. I must say it is a very addictive one (winning a cup) and it has become a virus in the locker-room in a good way. We are looking forward to the weekend and hopefully we can lift the trophy," said Timm as quoted by The Citizen. https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/local-soccer/timm-says-lifting-trophies-has-become-an-addiction-at-pirates/

Pirates have had a fairly successful season, having also managed to finish in second position in the DStv Premiership, which gave them passage to next season's CAF Champions League.

Despite the MTN8 trophy, and possibly the Nedbank Cup, Timm says their biggest target was the league title.

It is now history that they fell 16 points from even getting a touch of it, with Mamelodi Sundowns winning it with seven matches to spare.

Nonetheless, Timm believes Pirates have learned enough this season to stage a better assault on the title in the next campaign.

"As much as we are happy with qualifying for the Champions League, one of the targets we set ourselves as a group was to compete for the title. The positives we will take is the solid foundation we have set for the future. We will give it a go next season. I am not saying we are not happy with reaching two Cup finals, but we have the capacity to do more."

It's Done - Seema on Leaving Chippa.

You don't go to Chippa United and expect to get comfortable and stay, and Lehlohonolo Seema knew that, which is why I believe he traveled to Gqeberha with just a backpack packed with simple essentials, no huge luggage bags.

As he says, it is done, Lehlohonolo Seema has left Chippa United after just four matches in charge.

Seema, took over a Chippa that was firmly on the clutches of relegation's claws, saving them on the last day of the DStv Premiership.

But, it appears, Chippa Mpengesi has decided that his saviour is not good enough to lead his club next season.

"It’s done, it was a call for four games, he told me he won’t continue with me, he has another plan, so yeah, I’m jobless as we speak," Seema told iDiski Times.https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/dstv-premiership/official-chippa-make-decision-on-coach/

"Hopefully the next team can provide an opportunity for a whole season and I can push myself again, but definitely not continuing with Chippa, spoke to the Chairman and he indicated he won’t be continuing with me for next season."

Somewhere out there, Mpengesi is busy searching for his next victim, another coach to shoot down.

While a poor coach, knowingly, which is ironic, is just about to step right into the line of fire.

Who wants to coach Chippa United nowadays, I do not know. But I hope it is not Morgan Mammila, he can't possibly ruin a good thing he is having with Musa Nyatama at Swallows FC, and go back into the firing line.

Haaland credits a good environment for his City success.

Erling Haaland has had a dream debut season in the English Premier League, scoring 52 goals so far for Manchester City across all competitions.

The Norwegian goal machine, City's focal point in attack this season, has credited the enabling environment, and the hunger for success from everyone around him at the club for his amazing debut season. 

"The environment allows me to be myself every day," Haaland told amp.mancity.com

"There are hungry people around me that want to become better every single day and want to help me to become better every single day.

"That is where everything starts from.

"From Pep, to the physios, to everyone, we want to help each other.

"We want to have a good time together and we want to make every single person in the club better.

"That is the most important thing.

ALSO READ: City will not take their foot off the pedal - Guardiola: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/guardiola-wants-city-to-keep-going.html?m=1

Haaland admits that the EPL is the toughest league in the world, but he has had an amazing journey since his Man City debut in August.

With his teammates having lifted the EPL title for two seasons in a row before he joined the club, Haaland says it was his goal to win the title as well this season.

"It has been an amazing journey, ever since my first game in August," Haaland added. 

"It is the toughest league, the most difficult league, every single game is tough.

"But we managed to win it and that is what has really been on my mind the whole season.

"All of my teammates have won it in the last few years and I wanted to do the same."

Guardiola wants City to keep going.

If Brighton & Hove Albion, as well as Brentford, think they are going to meet a Manchester City side with its foot of the pedal after wrapping up the English Premier League title last weekend, they better think again.

Man City boss, Pep Guardiola insists that he wants his charges to maintain their tone leading up to the to cup finals awaiting them.

Man City will face Manchester United in the FA Cup final on 03 June, before clashing against Inter Milan for the UEFA Champions League title on the 10th of June.

"It would be better to maintain our tone," Guardiola said as quoted by amp.mancity.com.

"I’m not talking about win or lose, I want to see that our tone is there.

"We cannot play like we have won [the Premier League]. Against these two teams, if we aren’t ready we will suffer a lot. And after it would be a problem.

"But if we maintain the tone and they beat us, they beat us – it can happen."

ALSO READ: It is time for Kaizer Chiefs to rise from their slumber: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/it-is-time-for-chiefs-to-rise-from.html?m=1

Guardiola expects Brighton and Brentford to raise their game against the EPL champions.

"It is understandable because they play against Manchester City, the winners in the last years of the Premier League and they want to show how good they are, that’s normal."

"The target of the Premier League is done. But we cannot drop much otherwise it will be more difficult."

City will face Brighton tonight (Wednesday 24 May) at the Falmer Stadium at 21:00.

A win or draw for City will stretch their unbeaten run in the EPL to 16 matches. 

It is time for Chiefs to rise from their slumber.

If there was ever a time for Kaizer Chiefs to rise from their long slumber, that time would be now.

For a giant of South African football to be on their knees for this long cannot be normal.

Eight years without a trophy is nothing short of a disaster that should shock Amakhosi management into action.

Judging by the events of the recently ended season, things are slowly going from bad to worse.

Amakhosi finished fifth on the log, having lost 12 games, with four of their losses coming from their last five matches.

One of the most glaring shortcomings at Chiefs is the lack of quality in their squad.

Not having a single player in the Bafana Bafana squad, for an institution of Amakhosi's caliber is testimony to the players they have at their disposal.

ALSO READ: Thatayaone Ditlhokwe is not fazed by the challenge of playing for Chiefs: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/chiefs-will-be-business-as-usual-for.html?m=1

Chiefs management needs to buy quality players, and that is becoming non-negotiable.

Their head coach, Arthur Zwane's recent comments about clubs making things difficult for them to sign players doesn't cut it.

The fact is, clubs do not make it easy for no one to get their players, unless you are in the business of signing free agents.

Quality players cost money, and so is success in modern football, and that is another fact.

A sense of urgency is required from the Chiefs hierarchy, seeing the slow demise of a club that is such a big part of the South African football heritage is not funny anymore.