Derby a "296 error" worldwide embarrassment

On the surface a quite awesome occasion at FNB Stadium last Saturday for the traditional Soweto derby between Premier League defending champions Orlando Pirates and current log leaders Kaizer Chiefs, with almost 90 000 spectators present at the sumptuous venue erected for the 2010 World Cup and the game made available for TV in many parts of the globe.


Crusty Romanian-born, former coach of Bafana Bafana, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns Ted Dumitru, however, suggests the stuttering, error-infested goalless stalemate between the Soweto giants was a worldwide embarrassment that harmed South Africa's soccer image.

"In a scientifically programmed university study of the derby," says Dumitru, "an embarrassing 296 elementary errors were detected during the course of the 90 minutes of uninspiring football. "I took part in the study of the ballyhooed FNB Stadium extravaganza," explained Dumitru, "and was horrified as the passing, tackling, positional and tactical mistakes mounted.

"So much time was spent on publicising the game beyond a degree of common sense and reality," added Dumitru, "it seemed everyone forgot about the standard of the football, which is what it was really all about. "Televising the game worldwide was an embarrassment," said Dumitru. "It only showed up the glaring shortcomings of our soccer."

Dumitru believes the trend of concentrating on gimmicks instead of soccer basics by officials, sponsors and presenters is creating a fool's paradise and guiding South African soccer in the wrong direction. "You can fool some of the people some of the time," he added succinctly, "but you can't fool all the people all of the time. The standard of soccer in the PSL generally leaves a lot to be desired."

Severe criticism, some might suggest. But the mediocre performances of South African clubs in Caf competitions in recent years against far less affluent opposition suggests Dumitru has a point .

And it places an important challenge and responsibility on Pirates and SuperSport United, South Africa's representatives in this year's two premier Caf club events, to make an impact. Starting with matches this weekend, it would seem!

........and Ted is right......but what do the masses know.

I rather watch Brazilian league 1 soccer late night/ early morning than the local the local stuff.

We should be the best or at least one of the best on the continent, what is it we doing wrong??

The only time we played OK soccer was when we had the Brazilian coach.

Our players have no respect for local coaches.
Too much of interference from the national soccer body.
Quota.......yes reverse discrimination

agra Wrote:

---

> The only time we played OK soccer was when we had
> the Brazilian coach.
>
> Our players have no respect for local coaches.
> Too much of interference from the national soccer
> body.
> Quota.......yes reverse discrimination


really have u ever looked at clive barkers time with the national team ?

pirates Wrote:

---

> agra Wrote:
>

---

>

---

> > The only time we played OK soccer was when we
> had
> > the Brazilian coach.
> >
> > Our players have no respect for local coaches.
> > Too much of interference from the national
> soccer
> > body.
> > Quota.......yes reverse discrimination
>
>
> really have u ever looked at clive barkers time
> with the national team ?

Sorry Pirates
You right. Omission on my part.
Was not thinking so far back.

SA soccer is getting very glitzy which is nice to see, but the boys on the field still go on like kids wanting to be seen on TV by mom and the gang at home.pre modonnas.
Our football is lacking. It shows up at every world cup or CAF game. Too much Johnie walker and no real balls. No guts and no pride. They need a kamp staaldraad.
No coach can make losers winners. We need that hard working honest gutsy attitude born under the Southern African sun. Not some bunch of squabbling nurses that want to look pretty and cool.
The Dutchman should take control of this country again and build some gees. And kick some criminal, rapist, good for nothing butt. Then you will see winners

avanza Wrote:

---

> SA soccer is getting very glitzy which is nice to
> see, but the boys on the field still go on like
> kids wanting to be seen on TV by mom and the gang
> at home.pre modonnas.
> Our football is lacking. It shows up at every
> world cup or CAF game. Too much Johnie walker and
> no real balls. No guts and no pride. They need a
> kamp staaldraad.
> No coach can make losers winners. We need that
> hard working honest gutsy attitude born under the
> Southern African sun. Not some bunch of squabbling
> nurses that want to look pretty and cool.
> The Dutchman should take control of this country
> again and build some gees. And kick some criminal,
> rapist, good for nothing butt. Then you will see
> winners


Before you post you should proof read what you write.... In this day and age, really..... Im lost for words...: .... What you wrote is your opinion I understand but it is by far the worst embarrassment of this entire subject.. And that my opinion...

Guess they tried to be too fancy to be drafted by the EPL or some other European club with them Euros
Sounds like it back fired...

@russeldewee
You entitled to your opinion. I just don't see what got your jaw on the ground? Perhaps you misunderstood my sentiment and upon rereading it I could empathise.
Let me put it another way. I think our national soccer players are k@k sleg and need to get some grit about them and start winning some trophies. They are a raddy national embarrassment.
You know... South Africans... we demand winning teams. Bafana have yet to deliver one cup since their initial win. Wearing my bafana jersey becomes an act of humility instead of pride.
Not the Brazilian coach, not money, has been able to fix it... and the usual switching of coaches like underpants, infighting, squabbles, bickering.
We gatvol