NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
PSL: Can the tides turn for AmaZulu or are they destined for relegation?
One of the oldest and culturally connected clubs in South Africa, founded over 80 years ago, AmaZulu still find themselves feasting on the fruits of mediocrity and unimpressive institution building.
After securing just two points in their first five games of the 2019/20 ABSA Premiership Season, the AmaZulu board gave coach Cavin Johnson the sack. Understandable fears for a club who’s no stranger to the chop of relegation. Former Polokwane City mentor, Josef Vukusic has since taken the reins at the Durban club and led them to a first league victory over Cape Town City that lifted them off the foot of the table. Even under the guidance of the Slovakia born coach who led Polokwane to a 5th place finish in the 2018/19 campaign, can AmaZulu fight the “demons” of their mediocre history or a fifth relegation chop from the top division is looming?
“Usuthu themselves have known all too well that, on the wrong side of history and time is where they have frequently operated. They know they are supposed to be a big club and competing with the best there is in South Africa, so what do they do when they don’t find themselves in that position? They wing it, in an unorthodox style.”
image courtesy of Amazulu FC
The pride of the Zulu people
Most football clubs all over the world are formed or named after Metropolitan cities, they themselves tend to possess a history as rich as the cities they are named after and evolve in a strikingly similar fashion. We are talking of the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United, the Milan clubs, Olympique Lyonnais, River Plate only to mention but a few.
That’s not AmaZulu. Losely translated, the name itself means “the Zulu people.” First founded in 1932, it has since been largely recognised and appreciated as a source of pride for one of the most distinctive tribes in Southern Africa and the largest in the country. You guessed it, the Zulu tribe. A whole people with a history of dominance and assimilating other clans dating back to the periods where raiding was an economic activity in the Southern-most part of Africa. The infamous Shaka Zulu is an instance of that dominant and howbeit bloody history.
Provided one is a stranger to South African history, they could still understand the weight and pride of a team formed 87 years ago by Zulu migrant workers and had eMbelebeleni, a Royal Kraal as its headquarters. Even the influential King Zwelithini is associated with the club, at least recognised and honoured by a side who bear the name of the tribe he leads. But how much of that history and pride has translated to an equally distinctive identity on the pitch?
Not much is the shortest answer.
image courtesy of Amazulu FC
A yesterday that still influences today
Old and successful clubs around the world have at least one thing in common, they sustain takeovers and reinvent themselves with time. AmaZulu haven’t been the best at this, not even second best. Numerous splits and take-overs back in time ensured the club changed names over 4 times and changed ownership at least 5 times. Different people with dissimilar visions came in and before one had successfully saw his through, change kicked in. Fundamentally, it is for that reason that one of the oldest clubs in South Africa have had to constantly find its identity while becoming an epitome of mediocrity. Their best ever finish in the top flight league since they were renamed to AmaZulu in 2005 has been 7th in the 2017/18 season which became 9th when Ajax Cape Town had their points docked for fielding an eligible player, literally the mediocre of a league boasting of 16 sides. They’ve been relegated 4 times from the division and face an uphill battle of staying alive in the ABSA Premiership after recording just 5 points after 8 games.
Just like wine, clubs are supposed to be bigger and better with age if you would consider the likes of Arsenal, Al Ahly, Orlando Pirates or TP Mazembe but that’s not AmaZulu, it’s like they are stuck on a treadmill or fell flat on their face whilst on it.
Buying PSL status
Usuthu themselves have known all too well that, on the wrong side of history and time is where they have frequently operated. They know they are supposed to be a big club and competing with the best there is in South Africa, so what do they do when they don’t find themselves in that position? They wing it, in an unorthodox style. To date, Usuthu have bought top flight status twice. Firstly, from Dynamos in 2005 when Dr. Patrick Sokhela took over the ownership of the club from from Mr. Sisa Bikisha. After Usuthu were relegated in the 2014/15 season and failed to win back promotion in the 2016/17 campaign, they returned to the top flight by purchasing the status of Thanda Royal Zulu.
This in itself underlies one of the problems in the culture of the club; preferring shorter routes to success rather than systematic and patient building.
Denis Suarez of Manchester City beats the Amazulu defense during the Nelson Mandela Football Invitational match between AmaZulu and Manchester City at Moses Mabhida Stadium on July 18, 2013 in Durban, South Africa.
(July 17, 2013 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)
Ambition assessment
In light of history and even their status now, how ambitious are they really? Very ambitious in my opinion. Just in 2012, when they celebrated their 80th year since formation, they played a friendly match with Premier League side, Manchester United which they narrowly lost 1-0, mingling with the big guys, just as other big teams do. Their fundamental issue possibly remains not the desire or ambition to stay in the top flight or even better, for titles, but how they go about doing it. For the longest time, there hasn’t been real evidence of grassroots work and structures to support such dreams and henceforth they remain castles in the air. Over the years, they have built their house without a proper foundation or had the foundation flipped and switched before the house could stand; no wonder they are where they are right now.
A future they want vs an all too familiar one
As mentioned earlier on, with only 5 points won after 8 matches and sitting not so pretty on 15th position, the fight for survival could get even uglier with rock-bottom Chippa United expected to benefit from the “new manager bounce,” after acquiring the services of Norman Mapeza who led Zimbabwean side, FC Platinum to two consecutive league titles in the past two seasons. Their new gaffer, Vukusic is no stranger to the PSL having led Polokwane City to a 5th place finish last term, but his appointment comes as a mere mercenary like acquisition and is needed to ironically help one of the oldest South African clubs, find their identity.
Should they be relegated, it could be tougher trying to buy another club’s PSL status these days and they will have no choice but to really built sustainably. As of now, they have to build that ship as it sails, still 22 more games to go in the season, a lot can still change.
There is a future they want and ought to have by virtue of their long history and there is that one which has ocassionally followed them, that fight for stability continues.
2019/20 Absa Premiership Breakout Stars of the Season: Which players could blow?
Seven wonders of the world? The South African ABSA Premiership have seven of their own upcoming stars and you would want to remember their names before the world gets to meet them. You saw them here first.
Fans during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on October 26, 2013 in Soweto, South Africa.
(Oct. 25, 2013 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)
Here’s some names for you to remember. Seven of the Absa Premiership’s hottest prospects and future stars that could light up the 2019/20 season.
1. Teboho Mokoena
Age: 22
Club: SuperSport United
Position: Midfielder
At his age, he is already part of the South African national team. He made his debut appearance for Bafana Bafana in 2016 and has since made about 50 appearances. Teboho scored the winning goal in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers for South Africa against islanders, Seychelles.
2. Phakamani Mahlambi
Age: 21
Club: Mamelodi Sundowns
Position: Attacking Midfielder
He started his career with Bidvest Wits and has been blazing since then. Of note, he suffered a medial collateral ligament and took some time off the field of play. In 2017, he signed for Al Ahly, making him the first ever South African to play in Egyp. He has since returned home for the champions and remains one of the reasons why Pitso’ side remain acclaimed for their squad depth.
3. Justin Shonga
Age: 22
Club: Orlando Pirates
Position: Forward
The Zambian player was signed by the South African Bucs in 2017 from Nkwazi FC, a club back in Zambia. So far he has scored 4 goals in 23 ABSA Premiership appearances. Put aside his age, Justin “the Sheriff” Shonga is one of the deadliest attackers in the league, ask the defenders. He has however been a subject of speculation in the summer with Tanzania’s Simba FC reported to be interested in the Zambian international.
Siyabonga Nkosi of the Chiefs celebrates after the Nedbank Cup Final between SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs at Moses Mabhida Stadium on May 25, 2013 in Durban, South Africa.
(Dec. 31, 1999 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)
4. Gift Links
Age: 20
Club: Cape Town City F.C.
Position: Forward
He was with Al Assiouty in Egypt where he made 11 appearances. He was called for the Bafana Bafana squad and gave a splendid performance. That caught the eye of his current team which then offered him a more permanent post and a return to South Africa, his homeland. Not many are as technically gifted as the 20-year-old.
5. Siphesihle Ndlovu
Age: 22
Club: Orlando Pirates
Position: Midfielder
After Maritzburg, he was caught in a dilemma between Mamelodi Sundowns and the Bucs. He eventually decided to side with the stars in black and white because he was apparently attracted by their style of play. Ndlovu signed a contract that will bind him to the side for the next three years and SA is waiting in anticipation to see what the voted 2018/19 midfielder and young player of the season has to offer in the long-term.
Fans during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on October 26, 2013 in Soweto, South Africa.
(Oct. 25, 2013 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)
6. Sipho Chaine
Age: 22
Club: Bloemfontein Celtic F.C.
Position: Goalkeeper
Chaine grew up in Bloemfontein and playing for Celtic has always been his dream. At Celtic, he aims to wear the number one jersey. He appeared in this year’s MTN 8 and hugely earmarked as one of the most promising football talents in the country.
7. Sibusiso Mabiliso
Age: 20
Club: Amazulu
Position: Defender
The ABSA Premiership player is one of the youngest players in the league which has an average age of 27 years old. The age advantage has made the player one of the most solicited players in the league. It’s true that defenders are like wine, they get better with age. Mabiliso however happens to be a rare taste.
2018/19 ABSA Premiership Catchup: How is your team faring?
Have you been sleeping on the ABSA premiership? Perhaps you have been so busy to stay up to date with all the action. No worries, we got you. Ksazobalit!
Galabgwe Moyana of Polokwane City and Lerato Chabangu (R) of Moroka Swallows during the Absa Premiership match between Moroka Swallows and Polokwane City at Dobsonville Stadium on December 18, 2013 in Dobsonville, South Africa.
(Dec. 17, 2013 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)
It’s matchday 10 of 30 in South Africa’s top flight league football, the ABSA Premiership. One of the most celebrated and diverse football leagues on the continent if I may add. The defending champions have had to adjust to life without the 2017/18 starman, Percy Tau and his partner Khama Billiat who switched colors. Percy unto the English Premier League side, Brighton & Hove Albion whereas Khama joined bitter rivals, Kaizer Chiefs. Speaking about Chiefs, together with their next door neighbors, Orlando Pirates - the 2018/19 season is one they earnestly look for some long forgotten silverware while the league’s own “Shakespeare” in Steve Komphela seeks to thrive in a new role at Bloemfontein Celtic. It’s all happening and the battles have never been more competitive. Who is where? And how are things looking?
Clever Boys in control
After narrowingly surviving the chop last campaign, courtesy of a more aggressive approach in the second round of matches in the 2017/18 Absa premier league season, Bidvest Wits find themselves top of the standings after 10 matches in the current campaign. Gavin Hunt’s men have not done bad at all, winning 5 matches, drawing 2 and losing only 2. They are a single point ahead of Orlando Pirates, though having played one fewer matches. The Students who took home the 2016/17 title look to go back to glory days after patiently holding onto their gaffer in the previous campaign at a time when everyone thought he should have received the sack. They have scored the most goals, conceded the least and look like they won’t be easily bullied off the top of the standings.
Soweto boys eyeing the prize
Fans during the Carling Black Label Champion Cup match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on July 29, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa. At least two people have been reported to have been killed and several injured in a crush during the game at South Africa's biggest stadium.
(July 28, 2017 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)
It’s a familiar sight looking at the ABSA premiership standings. At least on some parts of the table. After finishing second and third, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, respectively occupy the same positions after matchday 10 of the 2018/19 premier league season. Pirates last won the premiership title between 2010-12, two consecutive times whereas Amakhosi last enjoyed the glory in the 2014/15 season. Trust me when I say that these two household names are desperate to make right by their fans. Zimbabwean star man, Khama Billiat has been instrumental for the boys in gold and black ever since joining the side and Zambian young forward Justin Shonga is one of the marksman that the Sea Robbers will be looking to for goals though Maliele Vincent Pule has provided the most, so far. Guess what, they are meeting this weekend for the first much anticipated Soweto Derby of the season. I and most definitely the whole continent, shall be watching.
“Speaking about Chiefs, together with their next door neighbors, Orlando Pirates - the 2018/19 season is one they earnestly look for some long forgotten silverware while the league’s own “Shakespeare” in Steve Komphela seeks to thrive in a new role at Bloemfontein Celtic. It’s all happening and the battles have never been more competitive.”
Three title dark horses
There is a crop of three teams lying on positions 4, 5 and 6. These sides are all tied on 14 points and with an almost inseparable goal difference. From experience of watching and experiencing the beautiful game, any of the three can emerge as a strong contender for the title and can even go all the way. Supersport United, Steve Komphela’s Bloemfontein Celtic and Polokwane City respectively occupy the above mentioned positions. Matsatsantsa’s (Supersport United) marksman, Evans Rusike is actually topping the scoring charts with four goals followed by Billiat on three. A proud moment for the Zimbabweans being repped by these frontmen.
What about Bafana BaStyle you may ask? Mamelodi Sundowns are currently on seventh position, the only team still to lose a match and with three games in hand. Don’t rule them out of anything yet.
Ksazobalit! (It’s going to be lit!)
PSL Awards: Tau crowned king and could Siphesihle Ndlovu follow his footsteps?
The sky is the limit for Percy Tau. On Tuesday night, at the Sandton Convention Center, the 24-year-old took home the 2017/18 South African Footballer Of The Season Award, Players’ Player of The Season and the joint Top Goal Scorer Award. The 21-year-old Maritzburg midfielder, Siphesihle Ndlovu won the Midfielder Of The Year Award and The Young Player Of The Season.
Inarguably the name that has dominated the South African football media throughout the 2017/18 campaign is at it again, this time with a few accolades besides it. Rightfully so, if you ask me. Percy Tau was the biggest winner on Tuesday night at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg where the ABSA Premiership Awards Gala was held. The 24-year-old was received the top two awards in South African football, the prestigious Footballer Of The Season Award and the Players’ Player Of The Season. He also shared the money with Polokwane City’s Rodney Ramagelela for the Top Scorer Award after banging striking eleven times for the PSL Champions, Mamelodi Sundowns. The Sundowns talisman will most likely be nominated for the CAF awards at the end of the year and rumors linking him to European clubs might not be far off now. The Mesut Ozil-like assist that he dished out to Sibusiso Vilakazi in their friendly against Barcelona shows glimpses of his quality and El Hadji Diouf’s praises and prophecy might come true after all.
On the contrary, not much has been said about Maritzburg United’s young playmaker, Siphesihle Ndlovu. The 21-year-old midfielder capped off his breakthrough the season by also getting a brace on the night, winning the ABSA Premiership Young Player Of The Season and the Midfielder Of The Season Awards. Ever since he joined the Team of Choice as the child, graduating from the ball-boy role, he has been on the up. At the time, they actually nicknamed him “Mbesuma,” after the former PSL Top Goal Scorer, Collins Mbesuma. Ndlovu became the first Maritzburg United player to win the ABSA Premiership Player Of The Month in January 2018 and went on to steer the team to a fourth-place finish. Leading up to the awards night, the youngster opened up on the reason behind his success:
I've never thought I could be nominated so soon, but also I think that anything is possible in this world‚ and that if you perform when you give 100 percent in every game‚ you're always focused‚ then anything can happen to you. From last season I was trying to make my way into Maritzburg‚ then when this season started the coach made me believe that I'm one of the best players in the world.” - Siphesihle Ndlovu, Maritzburg United
He received his first call to the Bafana Bafana camp in March 2018 for the Four Nations Tournament. Young Ndlovu is an exciting prospect that will surely turn heads in a few months time.
Here is the full list of all winners for the 2017/18 ABSA Premiership Season:
FOOTBALLER OF THE SEASON:
Percy Tau (Mamelodi Sundowns) — (USD)$ 19,960
ABSA Premiership Player’s Player of the Season:
Percy Tau (Mamelodi Sundowns) — (USD)$ 15,970
ABSA Premiership Coach of the Season:
Pitso Mosimane (Mamelodi Sundowns) — (USD)$ 5,990
ABSA Premiership Young Player of the Season:
Siphesihle Ndlovu (Maritzburg United) — (USD) $ 4,000
ABSA Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season:
Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs) — (USD) $ 4,000
ABSA Premiership Defender of the Season:
Siyanda Xulu (Maritzburg United) — (USD) $ 4,000
ABSA Premiership Midfielder of the Season:
Siphesihle Ndlovu (Maritzburg United) — (USD) $ 4,000
ABSA Premiership Goal of the Season:
Siphelele Magubane (L. Golden Arrows) — (USD) $ 4,000
MTN8 LAST MAN STANDING:
Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United) — (USD) $6,390
TELKOM KNOCKOUT PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT:
Amr Gamal (Bidvest Wits) — (USD) $ 15,970
NEDBANK CUP: Player of the Tournament:
Lebohang Maboe (Maritzburg United) — (USD) $ 11,980
NEDBANK CUP: Most Promising Player
Lebohang Maboe (Maritzburg United) — (USD)$ 4,000
MULTICHOICE Diski Challenge Precious Find:
Siboniso Conco (L. Golden Arrows) — (USD)$ 2,400
MULTICHOICE Diski Shield Precious Find:(USD) $ 11,980
Itumeleng Shopane (Kaizer Chiefs) — (USD)$ 2,400
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee of the Season — (USD)$ 4,000
Assistant Referee of the Season — (USD) $ 3,200