Latest news with #SowetoDerby
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Too many chiefs and not enough Indians
Catch them young - Egan Naidoo's son Ruven will be sure to cheer for Liverpool FC. Image: Supplied THEY were as scarce as minibus taxi drivers who use indicators. There were hardly enough of them to form a WhatsApp group chat. In fact, I've seen more of them waiting in line for a free tasting of spicy Nagiah's sausages on a Saturday morning. Who am I talking about? I'm referring to the number of Indians who actually attended South Africa's premier club soccer knockout tournament for the fiercely-contested Nedbank Cup at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium a fortnight ago. The riveting match saw Kaizer Chiefs ending a painful 10-year trophy drought when it clinched a 2-1 victory over Orlando Pirates. And only a handful of Indians were among the 60 000 spectators. One 12-pack of Amstel would have been more than sufficient to keep the spirits up of the sum total of charou football fans who made the effort to attend the Soweto Derby where they were inconspicuous as a drop of water in the ocean - or like needles in a haystack. Meanwhile, at the same time, thousands of South African Indians, a spiritous drink in hand, would have been watching Southampton vs Man City, Fulham vs Everton or Ipswich Town vs Brentford on television at home, at Clive Pillay's 501 Sports Bar in Chatsworth, or T's Action Bar in Phoenix. Now what is it that induces local Indians to support English Premier League football, or even European soccer for that matter, more than they do South African Premier Soccer League matches? Local Indian football fans can rattle off the names of all the Liverpool and Manchester United players - and the reserve squads. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ They have at their fingertips all personal information about European footballers, including age, nationality, contract duration and market value, and I won't be surprised, even their partners' names. Yet most of them will not be able to recite volubly the names of more than two or three players with individual PSL teams, or even Bafana Bafana to boot (pun unintended). Local fans of European football, much like their counterparts around the globe, can be incredibly passionate about their favourite teams, sometimes to the point of obsession. Check out the wash lines in Indian suburbs the day after a major match and you will see either Liverpool, Manchester United, Real Madrid or FC Barcelona shirts hung out to dry. Some die-hard supporters tattoo their team's logo, name their children after players, or refuse to associate with supporters of rival teams. I know of fanatical followers who will travel across the world to back their team in a cup final. Yet, they will not buy a stadium ticket for Soccer City or Moses Mabhida for a major PSL game. Obsessed football fans see their club as part of their identity, leading to intense rivalries and sometimes irrational hatred toward opposing teams. Football games stimulate an emotional rollercoaster: wins bring euphoria, while losses can lead to frustration and even anger. The emotional highs and lows deepen their connection to the sport. There is big business in football teams' fan paraphernalia - jerseys, scarves, t-shirts, tracksuits, caps, hoodies, jackets, ties, socks, watches and jewellery. Some take their obsession to another level and will even sport (pun unintended again) underwear with Liverpool's logo, the mythical liver bird, or Man United's ship and lion with a helmet. Whether those Y-fronts or briefs with team badges enhance bedroom performance during nocturnal goal-scoring games is the stuff of fantasy and fanaticism. My opinion. Devotion to football clubs starts early - and can continue for a whole lifetime. Children and adults alike will have birthday cakes made up in the colours and logos of their beloved teams. Liverpool is known as The Reds, after the colour of their kits, so when faced with a choice of colours for a new car, no prizes for guessing what hue those who mumble "You'll Never Walk Alone" in their sleep, will choose. The adoration of football clubs continues well into death for some fans. Coffins are often draped in the colours of the favourite team. Visit the Mobeni Heights cemetery and you will see several headstones that celebrate the spirit of football fans. Speaking for thousands of local Indians who are European football buffs, Egan Naidoo who is an ardent Liverpool admirer said local PSL teams were not disrespected outright because they produced some immense talent that has even been exported to foreign clubs. However, the emotional connection to European clubs, he said, was due to greater global exposure, high-quality matches, captivating narratives, and star players. Naidoo said the English Premier League was extensively televised and streamed, making it easily accessible to local Indian audiences. This constant exposure has introduced fans to the league and its clubs, fostering a sense of familiarity. He said football leagues throughout Africa were under-funded and lacked strong talent development, causing Africans to follow European football tournaments more than they support their own at home. Also, young family members were influenced by the older generation, reinforcing loyalty as fathers passed the baton of English football clubs to their sons. Naidoo added that there is a South African connection at Liverpool's home stadium Anfield. The most iconic stand within it is the Spion Kop, renowned for its atmosphere and is a symbol of Liverpool's passionate fanbase. The name "Kop" originates from the Battle of Spion Kop near Ladysmith in January 1900 where many soldiers from Liverpool were killed by Boers. The South African Indian community has a long and vibrant history of supporting local football - but mostly teams that had majority white players such as Durban City and Durban United and Indian players such as Manning Rangers, Berea, Avalon Athletics, Bluebells United, Swaraj, Verulam Suburbs and Tongaat Crusaders. Curries Fountain stadium in Durban was once the mecca of non-racial soccer during a time of racial segregation. As these clubs disintegrated mainly through lack of sponsorship, and faded into oblivion, Indian soccer fans rooted more for overseas clubs than local teams that comprised mostly Black players. And such patronage has nothing to do with racism but brand football fans like to support world brands. The English Premier League has effectively built a strong brand which is reflected in its consistent focus on delivering high-quality football, attracting top talent, and engaging with diverse audiences. . Many European clubs also enjoy tremendous brand strength. Real Madrid which is reputedly worth $6.6 billion is not only the world's strongest football club brand but also ranks among the strongest brands globally, surpassing renowned names like Google, Coca-Cola, Ferrari, and Rolex. Real Madrid's strategic investments in star players like Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham has boosted its revenue through increased matchday and merchandise sales, while enhancing global visibility and fan engagement. While South Africa boasts strong national cricket and rugby teams, the national football team Bafana Bafana is doing something wrong and is placed 56th in FIFA world rankings. The 2010 FIFA World Cup had mixed effects on soccer in South Africa. While it boosted domestic infrastructure, including new stadiums and improved public transport, it did not lead to significant improvements in Bafana Bafana's performance. When the national football team plays badly, any wonder then why local football fans look abroad for entertainment? Yogin Devan Image: Supplied Yogin Devan is a media consultant and social commentator. Share your comments with him on: yogind@ ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media. THE POST
The Citizen
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Ncikazi says Pirates youngsters ‘not at fault' for club failures
"It's a courageous decision from our club, and I don't see any fault in it,' said Ncikazi. Orlando Pirates players observe the moment of silence during the Betway Premiership 2024/25 match against AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday. Photo: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix Orlando Pirates' interim coach Mandla Ncikazi has defended the club's young players following the Buccaneers' recent poor performances since Jose Riveiro's departure. The Buccaneers have only won one match in three games since the Spaniard left the club a few games before the end of the season. ALSO READ: Ncikazi proud of Pirates contribution amid uncertain future Ncikazi began his tenure as the interim coach with a 1-1 draw against TS Galaxy in Orlando before edging SuperSport United 1-0 away in Polokwane. Pirates then drew 1-1 with AmaZulu in Durban this past weekend. Speaking after the game against Usuthu, Ncikazi refused to blame the Pirates youngsters for the recent poor results. 'Regarding the number of games, we might consider easing the load, but when it comes to experience, I don't think that's necessary,' said Ncikazi. 'Fielding [Mohau] Nkota in Egypt and [Simphiwe] Selepe in a Soweto Derby will provide valuable experience. 'The team is developing, and I believe the direction we're taking is the right one for the growth not only of our team, but of South African football as a whole,' added Ncikazi before urging other Premier Soccer League clubs to follow suit by giving young players a chance to shine. 'It's a significant step for our club to be bold enough to embrace this process, and perhaps other teams should follow suit. It's a courageous decision from our club, and I don't see any fault in it.' Pirates will 'improve' next season Meanwhile, Ncikazi said that despite Pirates' failure to topple Mamelodi Sundowns this season, the Buccaneers could still be proud of what they achieved. The Buccaneers not only closed the gap between them and Sundowns, but they also broke their record for the number of wins in a single league season. 'The growth that has been mentioned, the narrowing of the gap, the broken records [most wins, 19, so far in a single league season]. The introduced youngsters are positive. 'Yes, we fell short on some objectives that we wanted, and one can only learn from that and improve going into the next season,' concluded Ncikazi. ALSO READ: Nabi drops hint over Chiefs future Pirates next face Magesi FC at the Orlando Pirates in what could be Ncikazi's last game in charge of the team. The Buccaneers will announce a new coach before the start of the new season.
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
#JustMyView: Postcards from the parallel universe of Ballito
We meet again! It's me, your friendly (I hope) journalist, still trying to settle into suburban life here in Ballito. In my last column, I shared my shock at the absence of washing lines on the streets. Well, good news, my landlord introduced me to the magical invention of a drying rack (also known as a clothes horse). Fancy stuff! Goodbye drycleaning bills. Now, just a quick word to my friends, family and everyone who's quietly moved me onto their 'secret millionaire' list. Yes, I now live in Ballito. But no, I'm not rich. Not even close. If anything, I'm just a broke tourist with permanent residency. To my fellow centimillionaires living off budget rice and hope, sisonke comrades. But seriously, is Ballito still in South Africa? Please don't say yes too confidently. It feels more like a scenic canton in Switzerland or a gated nation with its own rules. The rest of us, hailing from townships and rural corners, arrive like visitors, just long enough to buy groceries, maybe breathe in some ocean air (with terms and conditions), then vanish before sunset like we overstayed a visa. Take the recent Nedbank Cup Final, a Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs in Durban. The Amakhosi won and South Africa was on fire with excitement! I was travelling back from Stanger and I could hear the hooting, the celebrations, even uncle vibes from behind the wheel. Then I got to Ballito and… silence. Not a peep. Even the birds seemed disinterested. Every weekend, I embark on a quest to find a local pub showing South African football. Nada. European leagues everywhere. Lots of rugby matches or some cricket. I even think some may prefer National Geographic. But not South African football. NEVER! I get it – it's a wealthy town with cultural differences. But guys we're still in KwaZulu-Natal. Join the vibe, it's harmless. I promise you won't break out in a rash if you catch a Kaizer Chiefs game. Ballito residents only seem to remember they're part of KwaDukuza when it's time to complain about the municipality. Not saying that should stop – those potholes aren't filling themselves – or when there's someone in the townships who needs help with donations. Beautiful stuff, truly inspiring. But beyond that? Ballito feels like its own shiny little bubble and most folks here have no idea what it's like to deal with the real hustle, the daily grind or the social ills that exist just outside the gates. Anyway, maybe it's time I get a TV. Because right now? I'm definitely living in a parallel universe. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
18-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Orlando Pirates, José Riveiro tip their caps to Kaizer Chiefs
His side may have been favourites to lift the Nedbank Cup trophy, but Orlando Pirates coach José Riveiro was quick to pay tribute to Kaizer Chiefs for winning the cup final at a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium, in Durban, on Saturday. Chiefs beat Pirates 2-1 in the second Soweto Derby in the space of a week to claim their first piece of silverware in 10 years. Chiefs opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Gaston Sirino converted from the spot, but the lead was short-lived as Evidence Makgopa equalised seven minutes later. The sides remained locked at 1-1, until Yusuf Maart banged in the winner with 10 minutes remaining.
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Will Orlando Pirates' Monnapule Saleng will play against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby?
NO SURPRISE Monnapule Saleng is unlikely to feature for Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs amid ongoing wage dispute speculation. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix While the debate over who will come away victorious in the Soweto Derby rages on until kick-off, one issue which will not dish up any hint of a surprise is that Monnapule Saleng will likely play no part for Orlando Pirates against Kaizer Chiefs. With the reason for Saleng's nearly five-month absence narrowed down to a wage dispute with the club (although this is still speculation), it's highly unlikely he will be a surprise inclusion in the Pirates match-day squad in the Betway Premiership clash set for 3pm on Saturday at FNB Stadium. However, given the importance of the fixture, Pirates will need every asset at their disposal. Throughout the Saleng saga, his ability has never been in question. It's for that reason that it's a mark against Pirates that they have been unable to resolve the issue, if indeed it is a wage dispute.
