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Former Players Disappointed With Soweto Derby

Local football legends have expressed their disappointment about the performances of both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Nov 2, 2009 8:43:43 AM

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Orlando Pirates - Teko Modise

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After the hype and excitement in the build up to the biggest derby in South Africa, both Amakhosi and the Buccaneers failed to live up to expectations, leaving many soccer fans disappointed.

The derby, which was expected to be a historic event following it’s return to the Mecca of South African football after a long absence, turned out to be a boring affair, disappointing for fans who had travelled from as far a field as Limpopo, KwaZulu Natal and Swaziland to support their favourites.

Speaking to KickOff.com after the game, former Orlando Pirates midfielder Thabo Mngomeni and former Kaizer Chiefs defender Lifa Gqosha both blamed players from the respective teams.

“It was a very disappointing performance from both clubs,” said Gqosha. "Only the soccer commentators revived the memories of good soccer games at Orlando Stadium by telling of stories about the stadium. The players did nothing to bring back those memories. Being a derby one expected fireworks, but the whole game ended up boring.

“It was like the players were scared of each other and afraid to make mistakes. None of them wanted to rise to the occasion and steal the limelight.

“The players were just average and no one wanted to take responsibility and make things happen,” he added.

Mngomeni also claimed that there was no hunger in the ranks of players to win the game for their respective teams.

“The players didn’t play with their hearts or show that they wanted to win this game," he complained. "There was no player who showed bravery. They all played as if they wanted to avoid making mistakes. I am not sure whether it was because of the coaches’ instructions or whether it was their own fear.”

Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana midfielder Teko Modise, had the opportunity to prove his critics wrong in the derby, but he too dished out a disappointing performance on Saturday.

Mngomeni said he still believes that Modise is the best player in the country, but added that Teko is being played out of position.

“The problem is that we expect Teko to perform ten out ten in every match he plays," the former player continued. "I don’t think he is off form; the problem is the boy is being played in the wrong position. He is a right-footed player but is being played on the left flank, and that makes him less effective.”

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