It is not often I watch South African football. I believe the standard is weak and many of the players play with a glory boy mentality instead of focusing on delivering the goods on the field. But in the last 3 weeks, I have seen 2 disgraceful tackles that have made me think I was watching a version of cage fighting rather than ‘the beautiful game’.
A couple of weeks back, Maritzburg United Defender Gary Goldstone, smashed open the face of Kaizer Chiefs striker Tshepo Bulu by simply dropping his shoulder and intentionally body checking a player who had beaten him.
Then this weekend Supersport United's Firku Tefera stomped on the throat of Thanda Royal Zulus, July Mahlangu.
He didn't just stomp on the guy inadvertently. He jumped over him, aimed his kick and then kicked him straight in the unprotected throat.
It was an absolute disgrace and in any other league, the guy would be facing criminal assault charges.
South African soccer needs to clean up its act and soon. You cannot have guys literally gunning to take guys out of the game when they get beaten on the field.
Personally I think this is why we are failing to deliver the goods at international level. We allow mediocre players to play dangerously in leagues which are supposed to be showcasing our football talent.
Unfortunately it also has implications for the wider game in the country. Why should foreign clubs (such as Ajax Amsterdam) partner with local clubs and send their European talent to come and get some experience and game time in our leagues?
Why should Manchester United or Liverpool or Real Madrid send teams to
Maybe football administrators, coaches and players should see the bigger picture. The game doesn’t need idiots like this destroying our football culture. If you want to attract talent and you want to attract quality players and teams to come and play in
I think the referee deserves a pat on the back for the decisive decision to send him off but this shouldn’t be allowed to rest. Quality players need to be looked after in the leagues and this can only be achieved by sending out a strong message to all involved.
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I see that Mamelodi Sundowns have just been zapped with a big fine (albeit suspended for 12 months) of R100k for failing to attend a press conference after the MTN8 finals which they lost.
This is excellent but it shoudn't have been suspended - if they want to play in the big leagues, they need to play the game professionally.
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