Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane reckons playing for entertainment than purpose is the reason PSL scouts deserted Kasi football.
Letsholonyane, who made his PSL debut with Jomo Cosmos was among the legends who attended Doctor Khumalo ultimate Champs tournament for Soccer and Netball at Matador Ground in Dube on Sunday, 17 March. Other legends who attended the event include Lucas Radebe, Sphiwe Tshabalala, Edward Motale and his younger brother Japie.
Orlando West Academy Under-19 side were the big winners on the day as they walked away with R15 000 following a hard fought 3-2 victory over Gauteng Select side during the last match. Girls Rock pocketed R11 000 having beaten Ndofaya Eagles 26-11 in the Netball Under-19 event
“This might sound controversial, but in the past few years our football took a shift especially in kasi and took a direction of being strictly entertaining (all about showboat). It makes it difficult for scouts or people in well structured football or professional set-up to come search for talent in kasi especially Soweto because players have habits that are difficult to change,” Said Letsholonyane.
However, Letsholonyane believes there are a lot of talented players in Soweto that are capable of making an impact in the PSL if given a chance.
“We still have a lot of talent. I watch a lot of football around Soweto and you could see there is potential. Like I said, our challenge is that element of entertaining for the sake of it. Where scouts want to go is for business plus having the reality of playing at the highest level,” explained Letsholonyane.
However, Letsholonyane who also had a stint with AmaZulu still hails Kasi flavour as one of the strength of South African football.
“Kasi flavour is one of our strength in the country because we are one of the countries that has talented players honestly. But it’s how you do whatever on the field (with the ball), at what time where the educational part comes in with coaching education, and for players to understand the game itself not just entertainment. We have to do certain things at certain moments differently if we want to go somewhere. Even though we are talented, we also need to be smart and get educated so we understand how to do stuff and have reason why we do certain things on the pitch.”
OTHER RESULTS
SOCCER
Under-15: Resa 5 Gauteng Select 0
Under-17: Soweto Shining Stars 1 Gauteg Select 0
NETBALL
Under-15: Amagautrain 7 Moletsane Stars 37
Under-17: Born Free 16 Mvuseledzo 19
Amagautrain
Caption: Orlando West Academy Under-19 side celebrate their victory while legends looks on.