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There is an interesting debate about who are supposed to be called soccer legends or masters or not - especially among ex-professional soccer players.

For instance, players who retire prematurely regard themselves as legends. This has caused some concern among the true soccer legends (whoever that may be). Point in case, Sports Beat picked up this argument during the launch of the Twenty Prioritises Township Programme that was held at Sebokeng College recently.

Former Kaizer Chiefs striker and SABC Soccer Laduma analyst Mike "Sporo" Mangena brought his Johannesburg legends team to play against Sedibeng soccer legends, but some of the players on both sides seemed awfully young to be called "legends".

Mangena's team featured the likes of Thabang Lebese and Pollen Ndlanya, while the Sedibeng team featured Ernest "Rambo" Marumo, Phiri Tsotetsi and Jabu Mguni - all of whom can still play in either the First Division or Premier Soccer Leagues.

It is because of this that I emphasise the following question: Who on earth is it that can be called legends? There is the 70's/80's Soccer Legends Organisation, which was formed by retired ex-professional soccer players.

To qualify to become a member of this organisation, I wonder which criteria are used to determine if you are qualified or not. The organisation should revisit their constitution and find the solution of who are true South African soccer legends.

Sports Beat is of the opinion that former soccer legends are pulling from the opposite direction, taking into consideration the current scenario. But who can blame them? After all, every man seems to be for himself and to hell with the rest.

It is safe to say that it is a case of survival of the fittest. Some of these former soccer players are not working, hence they will grab any opportunity that comes their way.

One of the former soccer legends that are also concerned about this situation is Simon "White Cat" Mosuoe, who is also the founding member of the 70's/80's Soccer Legends Organisation.

Nevertheless, Mosuoe's organisation should take some of the blame for this situation, seeing as they aren't doing enough to cast their net wide enough to reach more former soccer legends in this region. The truth is that there are many former soccer legends in Sedibeng, but the organisation only seems to select the top cats. Then, of course, these "brats" that call themselves legends will continue calling themselves as such, simply because they also feel sidelined.

I conclude by saying that the 70's/80's Soccer Legends Organisation should also lure these players into the organisation, but perhaps find different roles for them. Only then will all this division come to an end.

Oeshee kuze kuse!

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