Local football legend Gilbert Netshisaulu believes that a visible drop in football standards, compared to a decade ago, can be seen, and that one of the reasons for this decline is because the current crop of footballers are not as dedicated to the game anymore.
In the late 1990s, Netshisaulu had been a prominent feature in the Limpopo Mirror for his sterling soccer performances week in and week out. He played for the Shakadza Young Swallows, who gave teams such as Shayandima Bob Stars, Tshiulungoma Pepsi The Angel, United Scientists, and others a run for their money.
The team had six Netshisaulu siblings in the first starting line-up every week, unless one of them was injured or sick. "It was like a family team. We used to work for each other."
He said the biggest factor that contributed to the decline in football standards was the doing away with school sports, and drugs and alcohol abuse. "During our time, we used to exercise every day. We walked more than 10 km to go and play a game and then walked all the way back home afterwards, but nowadays soccer players spend their time in taverns and shebeens. You see them drinking beer on the eve of a big game. How do you expect a player who passes out in a tavern to perform well on the field?" he asked.
Netshisaulu is a teacher and a former Speaker of the Musina Municipality. He is now also the chairperson of Shakadza Ocean Swallows. His wish is to encourage youngsters around the Vhembe region to stop abusing alcohol and concentrate on sports activities, such as football and boxing, instead.
(The online copy was edited - Ed)