BBK UNPLUGGED | Puff adder lurking as Downs face Wiliete

Ibululu is an isiZulu word for a puff adder, the aggressive, venomous viper with a signature triangular-shaped head.

A similar aggression awaits Mamelodi Sundowns this evening in the form of a man whose name rhymes with the reptile.

Angolan centre-forward Mabululu is the weapon Wiliete SC will look to use today to poison Downs’s pursuit of a third Champions League crown as they commence a campaign they hope will conclude by adding to the two titles they won 10 years apart in 2016 and 2026.

Founded in 2018, Wiliete are still finding their feet in the arena of continental football. As such, a David versus Goliath contest is on the cards at Estádio Nacional da Tundavala Stadium as the boys from Benguela attempt to ambush the 15-time Betway Premiership winners (18 overall).

The 34-year-old veteran — scorer of 10 goals in 40 caps for his country — is currently on three goals in the competition, having scored in the two-legged 5-0 rout of Seychelles side Foresters in the first preliminary round last month.

The novices endured a painful first experience when they debuted in the competition last season, as they fell to a similar drubbing when they were eliminated by Tanzania’s Young Africans at the same stage last season.

Trophy-laden cabinet

Sundowns have made clear that their intentions are to complete a clean sweep of all the cups in contention. They’ve already added more glitter to their trophy-laden cabinet with the Fifa Intercontinental Cup, recently won against Al Ahli. They also ended the four-year monopoly of the MTN8 by Orlando Pirates last Saturday.

It speaks of absolute ambition. It screams decisive determination. A definitive display of an all-conquering mindset.

Clothed in sky-high confidence, the Brazilians are brimming with belief and are the toast of the town, much to the delight of their supporters.

Despite seeing their MTN8 bubble burst by Downs down in Durban, The Ghost still sing the praises of their Sea Robbers with pride.

The opposite is true of Kaizer Chiefs fans, who are envious of their rivals, for whom celebrating cups has become second nature.

Could it be that Chiefs can borrow from the copybook of Sundowns? Don’t get it twisted. No club can compete with moneybags Patrice Motsepe’s pockets, which are so deep they render other clubs paupers.

Model of professionalism

From their early days since their formation in Phefeni, Soweto, Amakhosi have built a reputation as a model of professionalism.

The phenomenon Kaizer Motaung built rose to the gold standard level of sponsorship and apt administration, so much so that erstwhile Sundowns boss, the late Zola Mahobe, coined the phrase “when Kaizer Chiefs sneeze, we all catch the cold”. Chiefs were, in his words and world, the kings of African football royalty to be emulated.

The brand remains one of the biggest on the continent. The merchandise continues to fly off the shelves with every jersey launch. Despite the trying times, the sponsors still stick around.

It is a worry that the Chiefs of today stand a stark opposite to the Chiefs of yesterday. It is a cause for concern that Chiefs have seen what seems a perpetual downturn in on-field fortunes.

The whirlwind of coaching changes has done little to invigorate the team. The signings they have made over the years of drought, broken with the Nedbank Cup capture, have not lived up to expectations.

Storied Glamour Boys

Many players were signed as hot property from their clubs only to blow hot and cold upon arrival at Naturena. Many have been promoted from the junior ranks but have found that carrying the team was a heavy burden without the assuring assistance and guidance of quality seasoned campaigners.

Stating these cold truths is not to soil the storied name of the Glamour Boys.

All it points to is that if all that glitters is gold, it’s not coming from the direction of the gold and black corner. It’s a cry that, from within, a pain Chiefs supporters carry every season as the status quo shows no sign of changing.

They feel that the powers that be are oblivious to the heartbreak visited upon them by a club they have invested mind, heart, and soul into.

Something has got to give. Khosi must truly rise, and sooner, rather than later.

Belated 82^nd birthday wishes to Kaizer Motaung.