Calls for change: Is the ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs format flawed?
Several coaches have added their voices to the discussion about the current SAFA ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs format, following earlier remarks from the outspoken Tshepo Motsoeneng.
The playoffs format has come under scrutiny once again after Motsoeneng’s comments opposing the current SAFA ABC Motsepe League national playoffs format.
For years, Njampela FC coach Motsoeneng has consistently raised the issue of the format of the national playoffs. The former PSL goalie is making his sixth appearance at the playoffs currently underway at Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium in Upington.
As it stands, it takes only seven days for the nine provincial champions to compete for two Motsepe Foundation Championship places up for grabs. It is also a possibility that a team could play for three successive days depending on how they progress in the playoffs.
TSHEPO MOTSOENENG Opposes Current SAFA ABC Motsepe League Playoffs
Motsoeneng, whose KZN side, Njampela FC, will tackle Highbury of the Eastern Cape in the second semi-final this afternoon [Friday 21 June 2024], slammed the playoffs format, insisting that players must rest.
“I will ask you a simple question: when you prepare in the league, do you play back-to-back? No, you play at the weekend and go home to rest,” he said.
“You come back fresh. It’s not fair. Let’s look at the whole system and say what can we change. I have been saying this for six years. But no one is listening to me. Chairmans are spending money on this thing,” said Motsoeneng.
Motsoeneng Finds Support: Coaches Oppose ABC Motsepe League Playoffs Format
Highbury FC coach Kabelo Sibiya, in his fifth appearance at the playoffs, and Mpheni Defenders owner/coach Sydwell Pharavhathu also questioned to the current format. However, Pharavhathu stated that teams must prepare well as they know the ‘situation’.
“Honestly, I heard that interview, and it makes a lot of sense. Considering some of the situations that also involve us,” said Sibiya.
“You should have enough time to refresh the team and you will get the best out of everyone. The coaches and the players. If you burn them [players], young as they are, it can also affect them. By what he says makes sense.”
Pharavhathu added: “Like I said last season, I don’t want to talk much about the format because when we start the season, you know you are going to play like this. So you must prepare yourself for that,” said Mpheni owner Sydwell Pharavhathu.
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