Mamelodi Sundowns dribbling wizard Themba “Mshishi” Zwane has criticised the tomfoolery and meaningless showboating that has been seen in various township off-season games.
The popular Philly’s Games are in full force in Tembisa, and they continue to draw thousands of supporters – the games are even televised live by pay-channel Supersport. A TV clip has been trending on social media where Orlando Pirates legend Jerry “Legs of Thunder” Skhosana is heard being vocal and condemning the kind of football dished out by one of the participating clubs.
This was when Isithembiso from Phomolong Section whacked Phanda Phanda and the entire Isithembiso team, who were winning 6-1, lied down on the pitch as if they were taking a nap, giving possession to their opponents – who thankfully obliged and went to score a goal.
Mshishi, who was born and bred in Tembisa and is ambassador of the Philly’s Games, is not impressed with the showing off. “I did not see the showboating or watch that game. But I saw the clips that were trending. My opinion is that I do not think that kind of showboating will help us to grow as a country. We want to go forward, grow as players and score goals. But what those guys were doing I don’t think we will go forward,” said Zwane.
“We need to change our game, we need to be more business-minded and take our football to that direction. It’s very important for them to watch tournaments like the World Cup or Africa Cup of Nations so that they can see that when they talk about dribbling, they are talking about going forward – create something for the team, make something or create chances for the team,” added the former PSL Player of the Season.
The topic and the debate of showboating has divided the South African football fraternity right in the middle. Those who are against it say that it is backward, silly, bizarre and nonsensical. They say that goals and more goals provide better entertainment rather than dancing with the ball.
But the fans of the dribbling tricks enjoy it with all their hearts and will be at the grounds as early as 9am to watch all the magic touches and their star players caressing the ball and hoodwinking their opponents. They say this is bonafide kasie flavour and how real diski is played in the townships. They argue that these games are not for development but for entertainment in the townships.
For the latest sport news from Sunday World, click here.
Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa. To Subscribe to Sunday World, click here
