TALKING POINTS | Orlando Pirates fouled by gamesmanship, Stellenbosch and Kazier Chiefs’ in overdrive
Premier Soccer League
A weekend of goals, grit and growing ambition defined South Africa’s football scene, with clubs making strides at home and abroad. Here, Kaizer Chiefs' Etiosa Ighodaro challenges AS Simba's Mbongo Ilume during their CAF Confederation Cup clash this past weekend. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Newspapers
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Newspapers
The outcomes of the weekend’s football games illustrated the shifting dynamics in South African football — from remarkable comebacks to calls for sportsmanship — both crucial as clubs aim for domestic and continental success. The Stellenbosch goal machine has moved into overdrive, and this is one of the talking points of Mzansi’s weekend soccer.
Floodgates have opened
Stellenbosch FC have finally turned the tide with a startling display of attacking prowess. In back-to-back encounters, the team netted an impressive four goals, shifting the narrative around their troubled start to the season. In last week’s midweek match, Stellenbosch claimed only their second league win of the campaign. Before that, they had managed a miserly three goals after nine games.
Pirates fouled by gamesmanship
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou openly condemned the questionable tactics employed by Congolese side Saint-Eloi Lupopo during Saturday’s clash at Orlando Stadium. Ouaddou took a stand against the gamesmanship, affirming that South African clubs should aspire to higher standards of conduct both on and off the field.
“I am not buying this behaviour,” Ouaddou stated emphatically. His remarks came in response to a series of controversial incidents that marred the game, including Lupopo’s provocative antics and time-wasting strategies.
Chiefs march on
Kaizer Chiefs secured a resounding 3-1 victory over Democratic Republic of Congo’s Simba FC on Sunday, solidifying their quest for glory in the CAF Confederation Cup. This triumph marks the first time since March that AmaKhosi have scored three times in a single match, reigniting the hopes of their passionate supporters.
The game unfolded in the final qualifying round of the CAF Confederation Cup — Africa’s version of the UEFA Europa League.
Cardoso: ‘Beware CL surprises’
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso believes his side will face a sterner test in the group stages of the CAF Champions League after dispatching Remo Stars 7-1 on aggregate. Cardoso reminded his players how quickly fortunes can shift in Africa’s premier club competition.
“Sometimes you think you’ll play a team that doesn’t have a big name, but when you play them away, it becomes so difficult,” Cardoso warned. His sentiments resonate with the fact that many teams in the Champions League possess the potential to spring surprises.
Something extra about KZN sides
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) football clubs have made their mark in the Carling Knockout Cup, ensuring a strong representation in the semi-finals. Golden Arrows secured their spot with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over TS Galaxy, prevailing in extra time.
Meanwhile, fellow KZN representatives Richards Bay pulled off an impressive turnaround against Durban City. After being a goal down, they rallied to clinch a 3-1 victory in extra time, marking a resounding shift in momentum.
As the semi-final draw approaches, KZN fans will hope for a favourable outcome that keeps both teams apart, allowing for a potential all-KZN showdown in the final.