South African Pundits Reject 'Showboating' Criticism, Compare to Neymar, Ronaldo

A South African television programme has spectacularly shot down the suggestion that a viral piece of skill in the Premier Soccer League amounts to unsportsmanlike showboating.

Earlier this month, Orlando Pirates player Thabo Rakhale caught the world's eye with an impressive, if unnecessary piece of skill on the right wing during the Soweto derby.

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Orlando Pirates midfielder Thabo Rakhale. No words. pic.twitter.com/RuconDN2fm

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) March 6, 2016"

The Mirror's Richard Innes labelled it "the most disgustingly outrageous showboat in football history," to which Sizwe Mabena, Thomas Kwenaite and Jeff Katala, the pundits on Soccer Africa, took offence.

Using clips of other skill moves from the PSL, the trio contrasted their reception to that of Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and even Chris Waddle.

Pointing out that Neymar's close control and Ronaldinho's no-look passes were seen as brilliant, they wonder why the likes of Rakhale and Pirates team-mate Thabo Qalinge are viewed any differently.

"If it's done by an African player, then it's disgusting?" said Kwenaite. "No, I totally disagree."

Kwenaite kept going, taking aim at the level of skill on display in England's top tier.

"You know why he's saying that?" he continued. "It's because they wish they could have more players who can do this."

[YouTube: SuperSport, the Mirror, h/t 101 Great Goals]