Bobby Boucher
In the aftermath of a tense 1-1 draw with Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium, Gavin Hunt, head coach of SuperSport United and former Kaizer Chiefs coach, has voiced a pressing concern that has captured the attention of the South African football community. Hunt believes that the Premier Soccer League (PSL) should step in to address the ongoing feud between Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena and TS Galaxy counterpart Sead Ramovic.
The animosity between Mokwena and Ramovic has been simmering for over a year, marked by a series of public exchanges and escalating tensions. This feud took a dramatic turn last Tuesday when their respective benches clashed during a DStv Premiership match, prompting intervention by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Speaking candidly after his team’s draw, Hunt expressed his concerns about the impact of this ongoing conflict on the league’s image and its stakeholders. “I do think the league should get involved. Something should happen here. You can’t let these things go on,” Hunt stated. He emphasized that while rivalries are a natural and even healthy part of sports, they must be conducted with a degree of respect and professionalism.
Hunt also highlighted the broader implications of the feud, particularly concerning sponsorship and the league’s reputation. “It’s a reflection of your sponsorships and these types of things. It does not look like one of them is going to give in. There is nothing wrong with having a rivalry and you don’t even have to shake hands with the guy, you don’t have to talk to the guy, but there’s got to be a respect around these things,” he continued.
The situation has intensified with TS Galaxy and Ramovic taking legal action against Mokwena over comments he made in April. Mokwena alleged that Ramovic and his players had conspired to injure Sundowns’ midfielder Bongani Zungu. This accusation followed an earlier incident in which Zungu’s aggressive tackle nearly ended the career of Galaxy’s veteran striker Bernard Parker, leaving him hospitalized.
The ongoing feud and its escalation into legal battles and physical confrontations are unprecedented in South African football. Such disputes not only disrupt the sporting environment but also risk alienating fans and sponsors. The PSL’s intervention, as suggested by Hunt, could serve to mediate and resolve these issues, restoring focus on the sport itself rather than off-field controversies.
The question now is how the PSL will respond. The league’s governance and disciplinary structures are designed to handle disputes, but the public and high-profile nature of this conflict may necessitate a more proactive approach. Ensuring that all parties adhere to a code of conduct that promotes respect and sportsmanship is crucial for the league’s integrity.
In the world of professional sports, rivalries and competition are expected. However, when they spill over into public disputes and legal battles, the consequences can be far-reaching. For the sake of the game and its future in South Africa, it is imperative that the PSL considers Hunt’s call for intervention and takes steps to mediate the ongoing feud between Mokwena and Ramovic. This will not only protect the league’s reputation but also maintain the respect and sportsmanship that should be at the heart of all sporting endeavors.
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