Neil Tovey
It would come as no surprise if many members of the local soccer media look rather rotund these days, given the huge weekly helpings of humble pie they have to digest.
The man responsible for the unhealthy diet is Neil Tovey, former captain of the national team, holder of a record 52 international caps, and defensive kingpin of Kaizer Chiefs.
Considered too old at 36 for the 1998 World Cup in France, Tovey has given most of the media repeated indigestion with a series of authoritative displays since the 1998/99 season began in August.
“I’m 37. I know this myself and it is written often enough in the media. I do not need to make sure by looking in my passport or in the newspaper. There is no problem from my side. If I become a burden, talk to me openly.”
The above statement did not come from Tovey – even the biggest critics would have to admit that whinging is not part of his make-up. He soaked up many low blows this year without begging for a towel to be flung into the ring.
German defender Lothar Matthaus made the statement this week in response to persistent media sniping that, at 37, he should cuddle up against the cold by the fireplace instead of playing international football.
Perhaps the much-maligned South African soccer media deserve a little credit for realising they badly misjudged Tovey, and the deafening silence from most quarters can be read only as an admission of guilt.
There is more than a touch of irony about the fact that the legendary Jomo Sono, the man who ended the international career of Tovey, has often stated that age is just a number.
Sono is right, which makes it all the harder to comprehend why he got it so wrong with Tovey. The Black Prince knew the Barker Brigade needed an overhaul and axed eight regulars. One too many, perhaps?
I know hindsight is the most exact of sciences, but the question is worth posing: would Bafana Bafana have fared better or worse at the African Nations Cup and World Cup with Tovey on board? Better, I suspect.
Watching Tovey in both legs of the Rothmans Cup semi-final triumph over arch-rivals Orlando Pirates was a joy to behold, as he rescued the Amakhosi countless times as much through his ability to “read” the game as anything else.
As Sono approached the twilight of his career, he rarely strayed from a small midfield patch. The ball came to him; he did not go to the ball. While not comparing Tovey to Sono, the defender does appear to wear magnetic boots that attract the ball.
John Moeti
Respected senior Orlando Pirates footballer John Moeti began a three-match suspension this week after being sent off during the second leg of the Rothmans Cup semi-final against Kaizer Chiefs.
He owes a debt of gratitude to team-mate Sam Pam that he is not facing a 13-match ban. Moeti lost his head at FNB Stadium and only the calming influence of the Nigerian prevented more trouble.
To reset the scene for those who might have taken a weekend vacation far from the madding crowd of Soccer City: 51 minutes had gone when Moeti and Chiefs striker Pollen Ndlanya found themselves on a collision course for a loose ball.
Television replays reveal beyond any reasonable doubt that Moeti went for the man rather than the ball and, it must be added, not for the first time in his long, largely distinguished career.
As Moeti tackled Ndlanya well above his boot, the Amakhosi star collapsed in agony and referee Ian McLeod showed the Buccaneers captain a yellow card followed by a red. He had also been cautioned in the first half.
Many observers will argue that even if Moeti had not been booked earlier in the match, he should have gone because there is nothing more cynical or dangerous in the game than an over-the-top tackle.
Instead of accepting his punishment and walking off the pitch, the man capped 23 times by Bafana Bafana disgraced himself and the proud club he represents by arguing with McLeod. He also attempted to push aside Kaizer Chiefs medical staff treating Ndlanya so he could tell the fallen striker that he was cheating. Fortunately, Pam restrained his skipper before an explosive situation erupted.
“I never touched Ndlanya. I was first on the ball and all I did was try and control it. He [Ndlanya] fell down and pretended to be hurt. It hurt me to be sent off for an offence I did not commit,” Moeti claimed.
With respect, “Dungi”, you are wrong, and if you are not prepared to take the word of this impartial observer, kindly obtain a recording of the match and study the incident.
Equally sickening were comments from other quarters, including Ndlanya and Pirates assistant coach Ronald Mkhandawire, which may require further investigation by the Premier Soccer League.
“It was a rash decision to sent Moeti off,” said Zambian Mkhandawire, who would be the first to complain if a Pirates player was crippled by a similar tackle.
“He [Moeti] kicked me, but did not hurt me,” Ndlanya admitted. If that is the case, “Trompies”, why did you spend several minutes writhing in agony on the ground and require touchline treatment?