Many
soccer fans reacted differently post the announcement of Bafana Bafana AFCON
2013 team by Gordon Igesund. Many fans believed that the National Team was not
selected on merits as favoritism and reputation than actual form were the
criterion used to select some off-form and unfit players ahead of deserving
players. Now I'm sober enough but not bitter to throw my last cards on Igesund's
table.
This
is my in-depth Analysis
Goalkeeping
Department
The
coach selected the best available goalkeepers but Igusend sent millions of
soccer fans to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after excluding SuperSport United
finest goalkeeper Ronwen Williams in his provincial squad. The young keeper
should have been selected to taste Bafana experience ahead of the out of form
Wayne Sandilands. Wayne Sandilands already conceded some dubious and silly
goals this season.
Wayne
Sandilands is not at his best form and should haven't selected ahead of Mzansi
finest young keeper Williams. The problem with Igesund decision is that he
careless about building up to the future as he has that tendency of believing
in players who already past the sell by date. Williams should have been
selected ahead of Wayne Sandilands.
The Defence Force
The
defence is fairly balance but it lacks the most vital defensive technique (height).
We don't have enough height at the back. Many Africans team used tall strikers
with an aerial ability to terrorize the opponents. For Example, Manucho from
Angola has the best and effective aerial ball ability and will give Bafana hard
times to neutralize him aerial.
The
coach should have at least kept one tall defender who will be used to
neutralize an aerial treats when protecting the lead in the last minutes of the
game. "It’s called back pocket defensive strategy to protect the
lead"
The
inclusion of Tshepo Masilela was another miscalculated selection. He is not yet
fit enough to play a competitive AFCON football. His confidence is still too
low to compete against the best in Africa. Masilela was known as mobile and
effective left back by then but now he is just a shadow of his former-self
without any offensive movements. The coach should have kept Bevan Fransman for
his aerial ability then use Siboniso Gaxa as cover up for left back position.
The Engine Room
Our
midfield is imbalance. We don't have natural creative player to unlock the
defence. The team is going to miss the creative moves of the General Teko
Modise. The team of 1996 had Doctor Khumalo as creative player. Many goals were
initiated from Doctor Khumalo creative moves.
Lerato
Chabangu is a good creative player but only when he is playing from within not
at the wing. If Lerato is going to be used as creative player, the coach must dismantle
the Dean Furman and Kagiso Dikgacoi combination to create a sufficient space
for Chabangu to perform his creative magic. Chabangu is only effective playing
from the within of the pitch than outside.
I’m
worried about Dean Furman and Kagiso Dikgacoi combination - The same
combination was dismantled recently against Zambia. It is not an effective
working combo at all. The two players are ultra defensive without any offensive
moves and pace.
Furman
and KG have slow build up of playing short balls around them. To win AFCON we
need quick players with the best transitional movements. One player who can
fulfill the missing techniques is Andile Jali. The coach should have kept him
in the team despite injury worries. England once included Wayne Rooney in the
team despite 2 games ban because the coach believes in him. Why not do the same
to Jali?
Jali
was going to be fit before the tournament. He has a heart of lion with balance
offensive and defensive techniques. Congratulations to Thuso Phala of
Platinum Stars for making it to the final 23 players but I’m not impressed by
his inclusion. Let the truth be told, Sifiso Myeni is by far better attacking
midfielder to Phala.
Myeni
has a big game tempo with enough Bafana experience. Igesund used his heart than
his head when he made a decision to released Myeni. However, Just like Siphiwe
Tshabalala, Myeni’s performance can be erratic in some games but when he is on top
of his game, he is untouchable.
Igesund
is experimenting with Phala but the AFCON stage doesn't need any punks
(Mafikizolo). Experience players with enough international caps are needed not
the newcomers who will break up into pieces due to stage fright.
Tshabalala
made it to the list because of his famous goal in the opening of 2010 World
Cup. Tshabalala is out of form too with erratic performance. He lacks
commitment and dedication in Bafana colours. He is good player but his state of
mind is not good for AFCON tournament.
Shabba
must work hard to convince soccer fans that he deserves Bafana spot on merit
than favoritism. The problem with Gordon Igesund is that he selected players
based on past reputation than actual form. George Lebese would have been a
suitable candidate to replace ineffective Shabba.
Thulani
Serero is from long term injury. He hasn't played sufficient competitive games.
I don't anticipate any miracles from the Amsterdam based player. Serero will
struggle with fitness. At the moment, he can't play the whole 90 minutes. The
coach selected him based on reputation than merits too.
The
team needs fit and effective midfielders. Surprisingly, the unfit and injury
prone Serero is in the team but fit with bit of injury worry Jali is excluded.
Gordon is digging his own grave now.
Striking Force
No
complain(s). The best available strikers were selected. Thumb up for the coach.
He selected the best.
Conclusion
Bafana
Bafana is a national team not a certain team(s) national team. I find it barbaric
and backward by certain fans who only support their favorite team players. Many
fans are now contemplating to adopt other African teams because they are bitter
that the coach didn't include their favorite stars. Let's be honest to
ourselves, Igesund can't satisfy anyone.
Let's
all support our boys by removing loyalty cap. I’m not a fan of Igesund’s
selection policy but I will support the boys to re-conquer Africa.
By Owen Mundalamo
