Mark Gleeson

FOR supporters and footballing purists, two decisions made by the Premier Soccer League in recent days signal a stark warning that the game’s direction is moving away from core values.

Both reflect the shift from the needs and interests of fans to a growing dependence on keeping sweet the corporate sector that sponsors the sport.

One is a major issue, the other a minor one. But both demonstrate a fundamental shift in priorities. The PSL is now more concerned with pleasing the sponsors than looking after the fans.

This is how:

Deciding to stage the Nedbank Cup final at Orlando stadium, when the two finalists both come from Pretoria; and

Not taking the Absa Premiership trophy to Orlando stadium tomorrow, even though Orlando Pirates could wrap up the title.

In effect, logistics are holding hostage two of the potential high points of the season as marketing considerations have taken precedence over common sense.

The decisions show a lack of perspective of what is really important about the game and a disregard for the interests and joy of the fans.

Though a neutral venue is preferable for a cup final, it is irrelevant this year because both Mamelodi Sundowns and Supersport United use Atteridgeville stadium. The venue is convenient for the bulk of the fans and would ensure a close to capacity – if not sold out – crowd, the perfect backdrop for one of the most important games of the year.

The same cannot be guaranteed at Orlando. Too many Tshwane fans will not be able to make the expensive trip to Soweto.

But the PSL has explained that it does not want to stage the final in Atteridgeville because the stadium is essentially not aesthetically pleasing or convenient. While this might make sense to the marketers, try explaining to a fan that the change rooms are not the same size or the VIP area is too small to accommodate the swanky guests.

The PSL is also disregarding the fans in its decision not to take the league trophy to Orlando stadium tomorrow in case Pirates win the league title.

There is the possibility of a scenario in which Pirates emerge victorious, find out that their rivals have faltered, break out into the spontaneous celebration of the sort that makes sport so great, but find out that the trophy has been left behind.

Why? Because the sponsors want time to build a stage, have streamers in the air and their head honcho on hand for the trophy presentation.

So the trophy will only be handed out on the last day of the season on Saturday next week, when there will still be a celebration but without the soul of the immediacy of sweet victory. The sparkling spontaneity is stripped out of the game by the suits who now seemingly control soccer.

Admittedly, the PSL’s main revenue comes from TV and sponsors and not gate takings. But it is the passion of the fans that makes its product. Leaving them behind is to forget the essence of the game.

Sundowns’ Absa Premiership clash with SuperSport United on Saturday has all the makings of a classic, with much at stake.

The team that fails to win at the Lucas Moripe Stadium will see its title aspirations go up in smoke, and there is also the matter of this game being a dress rehearsal to the Nedbank Cup final a few weeks later.

And then there is the matter of the history and the competitive rivalry of these two Pretoria rivals.

Mamelodi Sundowns are the Tshwane club with the history; the attractive brand of football, ‘piano and shoeshine football’.

Sundowns were seen as the flag bearers for playing the game in true South African style, with players such as Ernest Chiwali (Mtawali), Chancey Gondwe, Zane Moosa Roger Fetumba, Daniel Madau, Joel Fire Masilela and Bennett Masinga at the forefront of an attractive carpet football mentality.

From the late 1980’s onwards, Sundowns’ style translated into trophies as they won the NSL title in 1988, 1990 and 1993, and lifted the PSL trophy in 1997/ 98, 1998/ 99, 1999/ 2000, 2005/ 06 and 2006/ 07.

The last time the Brazilians won the league title was in 2006/ 2007, when they topped the table by 10 points over Silver Stars under the guidance of Neil Tovey and Michel Gamondi.

But since then, Sundowns have had to watch enviously across the city as SuperSport went on to win three successive titles under Gavin Hunt, echoing the achievements of their neighbours nearly a decade back.

While Matsatsantsa finished first in 2007/ 2008 and 2008/ 2009, Downs could only muster fourth and ninth placed finishes.

In the 2009/ 2010 season, Sundowns were again pipped to the post by their city rivals, SuperSport finishing champions with 59 points and Downs ending on 58.

United’s recent history stretches back just 18 years, to 1994, when M-Net bought the status of Pretoria City, whose history goes back considerably longer.

Thomas Madigage, Abram Raselemane, Peter Khoabane, Molefi Ntsoelengoe and Patrick Mayo are some of the players that starred for the club in its earlier years.

Of the SuperSport players that have shone for the club in recent years, a large contingent have in fact been tempted across the city to go and play for Sundowns, adding more spice to Saturday’s fixture.

These include Katlego Mphela, Elias Pelembe, Teko Modise (via Pirates), Calvin Marlin, Anthony Laffor. Hlompho Kekana (via Celtic) and Siboniso Gaxa.

Matsatsantsa are have several ex-Downs players on their books, including Franklin Cale, Mabudi Khenyeza and Sibusiso Zuma.

Now Patrice Motsepe’s club again find SuperSport standing in their way as they Brazilians look to try and catch Orlando Pirates at the top of the log.

Sundowns currently trail Bucs by three points and have a vastly superior goal difference, meaning that if Pirates lose one of their last two remaining games, and Downs win both of theirs, they could be champions, although only if Moroka Swallows fail to take maximum points from their last two matches