Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena recently shared his concerns about the state of South African football, revealing that the ongoing issues are slowly diminishing his love for the game.
After a goalless draw against Polokwane City, which marked their 60th match of the year and 30th since August, Mokwena expressed his dissatisfaction with the standard of officiating.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: India Seeks To Break The Final Frontier In Test Series Against South Africa
The league will now take a six-week break until mid-February for the Africa Cup of Nations. While Mokwena did not mention any specific event, he may have been referring to the unfortunate situation that occurred on Wednesday when Sundowns’ scheduled league match against Moroka Swallows did not take place due to a player strike.
In a candid statement, Mokwena said, “I am sorry I am feeling a little bit grumpy, but this has been my mood for the last couple of weeks. This is football, and every single day it eats away at my passion for this game.”
He continued, “Slowly, I am losing my love for this game, and it is very sad because I was born into football. I look at how this game is going and say to myself, maybe I am not cut out for this. Maybe I am not good enough to be a football coach.”
Despite ending the year with two rare winless matches, including the draw against Cape Town City, Sundowns remain unbeaten in the Premiership. They currently hold a six-point lead over their closest challengers, SuperSport United, with three games in hand.
During the recent match against Polokwane City, Sundowns fans felt aggrieved when referee Akhona Makalima ruled in their favour after Themba Zwane was brought down on the edge of the box.
However, there was another moment of controversy when Makalima disallowed Peter Shalulile’s goal due to a foul committed by Zwane in the build-up.
Regarding the refereeing decisions, Mokwena stated, “I don’t like to talk about refereeing decisions, but that situation [involving Zwane] changes the game completely. And for it to not even be a foul is really shocking, and the game continues to be 0-0.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Proteas Need More Kagiso Rabada Magic
Mokwena further expressed his disappointment, saying, “I think the ‘Mshishi’ [Zwane] situation earlier in the first half is one that leads to a goal, and the game is different. If the opponent stays at 0-0 — and they were clearly here for a 0-0 — it is going to be a problem. Then it’s fouls, time-wasting, this and that.”
Reflecting on the overall state of South African football, Mokwena lamented, “It is sad we have to close 2023 with the South African public having to witness that.
That, for me, is a poor advertisement for South African football in general. I have seen some amazing things this whole week in South African football.”
Sundowns will resume their Premiership campaign after the break with a game against Lamontville Golden Arrows at Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale on February 14.
It is crucial for South African football stakeholders to address the concerns raised by Mokwena and work towards improving the overall quality of the game.
By addressing issues such as officiating, player strikes, and maintaining the integrity of the sport, South African football can regain its reputation and provide a better experience for players, coaches, and fans alike.
