After witnessing Man United humbling their rivals by a wide goal margin, our boys were quick to learn that their visitors were on mission to score a double against two leading football clubs in the country. It was therefore only fair for our Technical Team to draw into their last reserves to prepare our boys both mentally and physically particularly after their destruction of the Bucs.

For a good seventy-nine minutes, I proudly watched our warriors holding their own in attempting to upset an otherwise determined visiting team that was obviously hell-bent on damaging our reputation as the number one team in SA. Despite our unfortunate loss, I strongly believe that our lads gallantly fought to salvage their pride and prevented the same fate that had been handed to their local counterparts earlier in the week. Our boys undoubtedly deserved better but were eluded by luck with unconverted scoring chances easily beckoning earlier in the game. Be that as it may, I trust that our visiting spectators received their monies’ worth and once more demonstrated that our football is indeed a race relation pacifier that brings together all nationalities from different communities.

As for the organization of the game, I must commend the assembled efforts of all role players that ensured a successful delivery of the Cape Town leg of the tournament. I was particularly impressed by the high level of security as evidenced by the visible presence of a large contingent of members of our SAPS. All checkpoints were thoroughly manned and vigilantly kept to prevent any measure of embarrassment. In comparison the number of our supporters, I observed some interesting dominance of the famous Red Devils colours – something that clearly shows that they enjoy a worldwide support. Interestingly, this was the first time that any club had almost outdone the famous Gold and Black of Amakhosi in this country. Without sounding perturbed, one may just hope that the same numbers turn out to support our National Team when the 2010 spectacular kicks off.

ORLANDO PIRATES

This was one match that obviously attracted a lot of attention when considering the intensity of competition between the two clubs. Our performance was outstanding and once more proved that we had tactical superiority after sustaining organizational discipline throughout the match.

I must complement our team for outstanding performance. I must also applaud the Technical Team for excellent work considering that they had to prepare for three tough matches (including the finals) that were spread over a six-day period. It was obviously not easy because they had to plan and shuffle the team frequently in their course to reaching the finals. Any footballer and administrator will bear witness that these types of matches are reputed to be energy supping particularly when Social Responsibility Programmes and media assignments frequently punctuate their schedules. Despite the rigorous training, I am excited that our Technical Team had sufficiently planned to give all our players an equal opportunity to test their skills and learn from such an experience.

THE FINAL AND MADIBA

This promises to be a tough encounter now that Man United had tasted some sweat from our determined lads. This match is obviously one that the coach had earlier expressed an interest to re-play just so to give our lads another opportunity to engage their otherwise formidable opponents. I believe that our preparation has been sufficient to present a good squad that will carry the sporting hopes of all football-loving countrymen. There can thus never be any doubts that we shall witness fireworks from the first whistle as we aspire to keep the coveted Vodacom Cup in our country.

I do not see us failing particularly after paying our revered Madiba for his blessings before the final. In his usual witty-self, Madiba sent us into raptures when he clearly expressed his patriotic support of local talent. I can only hope that our envisaged victory will otherwise crown our beloved icon with a deserved birthday present that is fitting to his stature and his humane record of conciliation, love and peace.

BAFANA BAFANA

The never-ending saga on the appointment of our National Coach and the reconstruction of its administration continues to suspend our attention to unacceptable levels. Well, I have presented my case and I may still hold steadfast that a true South African son of the soil is needed to carry us through.

Whilst I regard the punted Carlos Alberto Perreira highly given his record of achievements in other countries, I may not be tempted to perceive him as a coach, rather he is appointed a Technical Director whose skills could be spread into other National Teams including our Amaglug-glug, Amajita, Banyana Banyana and any other institution of coaching and football administration.

Whilst I concede that SAFA holds the key, I will however respect their decision with a pinch of salt because I still envisage a recurrence of unsolved processes should their focus rests entirely on the appointment of a Coach and not on looking at the matter beyond 2010. For now, and like many of us, I hold my bated breath for sanity to prevail when all processes to address challenges surrounding our National Team are thoroughly negotiated.

CONDOLENCES

I wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the Nkosi family in Mondlo KZN for losing their loving father who was my friend and the Chairperson of the Kaizer Chiefs Supporters Branch.

I would also like to spread such condolences to Bro Abe Matsheng for the tragic loss of his son and his friends and to Doctor Khumalo who lost his Aunt in Alexandra.

I may not forget our famous media and radio icon, Ntate Thuso Motaung, for losing his beloved mother.

May all these aggrieved families seek the peaceful solace of GOD who is able to wipe all tears from their pained hearts and souls. May He grant them his abundant love and restore their families as they all face these trying times.

Kaizer Motaung (Mr)


Chairman/Managing Director