With showboating slowly but surely becoming a ubiquitous topic in South African football, former Orlando Pirates assistant coach Tebogo Moloi has raised his voice in support of Mzansi flair.
Fan-favourites Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Mduduzi Shabalala, and Mfundo Vilakazi have all faced criticism this season for showcasing the thrills and trickery that South African football has long been known for.
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Moloi, alongside football icons like Edward Motale, Doctor Khumalo, Shakes Kungwane, Scara Ngobese, Mlungisi Ngubane, and Jomo Sono, paved the way for this style of play that has a proud history.
"If you are an Orlando Pirates supporter and you are not happy with what the boys are doing, then there's something wrong with you," Moloi points out, speaking to KickOff.com.
He expressed his frustration once more with Glenn Hoddle, who, after witnessing South African talent like Thapelo Liau and Steve Lekoelea teach his Tottenham Hotspur side a lesson back in 2003, labeled their style of play as "showboating".
"He came to a Third World country thinking Tottenham would easily defeat Orlando Pirates, but he got the shock of his life."
Moloi reminisced about how his generation danced on the ball when they defeated a Crystal Palace outfit that had just had an amazing run in the FA Cup in England, emphasizing that this style is their strength.
"Let's encourage the current generation to embrace this style even more. Instead of being overly critical, we should advise them on how and when to showcase their skills.
"Showboating is a derogatory term. This negativity stems from our people's fear of Europeans. I, for one, am not afraid. I taught Arsenal how football is played in South Africa, and it took me to Turkey. The same so-called showboating allowed me to flourish there.
"You can't separate Orlando Pirates from their style of play. Pirates and entertainment go hand-in-hand. It should be called 'show-me-your-number' instead of 'showboating', he said.
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The former Bucs assistant praised Mofokeng for pushing forward with this style, noting that while he performed tricks standing still, the youngster has improved by taking them into motion.
"Why should we undermine what we have? Why must we criticise these boys? People have returned to the stadiums because they want to see them perform these tricks live."