Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Jabu Mahlangu had some strong words for both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates players following their Soweto Derby clash on Saturday. Mahlangu, who was a key figure in the Chiefs team of the late 1990s and early 2000s, was unimpressed with the quality of football on display as Chiefs won the match 1-0 thanks to an own goal by Pirates defender Olisa Ndah.
In a video posted on Twitter, Mahlangu said: “What you showed us was a shame. Yes, the coaches do make mistakes and they do blunder at times, but at the end of the day, you are the ones playing on the field. There was no shot on target in the first half, in a huge game like that. There was no direction. It was like watching a bunch of 10-year-olds chasing after the same ball. That’s what we were watching on Saturday.”
Mahlangu went on to point out that fans pay money to attend the games and deserve to be entertained. He said: “The fans pay their money to go to the stadium and watch that shameful display. That’s not on. Yes, the coaches must account, but let’s leave them out of it, you need to look at yourselves in the mirror. There’s a lot you have to do, I don’t want to compare you to the derbies during and even before my time, no. I’m referring to what I saw on Saturday – disappointing.”
The Soweto Derby is one of the most anticipated fixtures in South African football, and Mahlangu’s comments have sparked debate among fans. Many have called for the players to take more responsibility for their performances, while others have argued that the coaches should be held accountable for the teams’ lacklustre displays. The result of the match saw Kaizer Chiefs move to the top of the DStv Premiership standings, while Orlando Pirates remain in sixth place.
