Kaizer Chiefs legend and revered analyst Doctor Khumalo has moved to set the record straight following a wave of social media backlash regarding his recent comments on the Betway Premiership title race.
The controversy erupted after Khumalo responded to a question on the internal friction at Mamelodi Sundowns, specifically the suspension of performance analyst Mario Masha.
His observation that rival teams appeared to be ‘waiting for Sundowns to fail’ before mounting a challenge was quickly interpreted by fans as a slight against current league leaders, Orlando Pirates.
With the Buccaneers currently perched at the summit of the table and Sundowns uncharacteristically searching for their rhythm, supporters were quick to suggest Khumalo was undermining Pirates’ legitimacy. However, the 1996 AFCON winner notes that his words were stripped of their original context.
Speaking on SABC Sport’s Soccer Zone on Monday night, he clarified that his analysis was structural, not directed at any particular club. In fact, Khumalo did not mention any club in his response. He has since expressed genuine surprise at the backlash, noting that he wasn’t even aware of the internal rumblings currently affecting the Brazilians.
KHUMALO: ‘I DIDN’T BRING UP THE SUNDOWNS ISSUE’
“I didn’t actually bring up the Sundowns issue. In fact, I didn’t even know that they’re having a problem with—is it the analyst? The question that was asked, the way it was phrased… I need to rephrase it,” he clarified.
His original point was centred on the reality that when a dominant force wobbles, the rest of the pack must be ready. But he was quick to emphasise that this doesn’t diminish the hard work of the current frontrunners. He highlighted that every team in the top-flight is there on merit, adding he would be failing in his role as an analyst if he ignored the collective effort of all 16 teams.
“I’m not talking about a particular team. I would be failing to respect all the teams that have put the effort to make it a point that they bring the best to the PSL,” he explained.
Interestingly, Pirates and Sundowns lock horns in a top-of-the-table clash on Wednesday night at the FNB Stadium. The Bucs go into that game with a six-point lead after beating Marumo Gallants 3-0 over the weekend.
Sundowns, who booked a CAF Champions League quarter-final place on Saturday, have a game in hand.
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